Knicks Knotes: What to Watch for vs. New Orleans Pelicans
The New York Knicks are taking their struggling show on the road Tuesday night to take on budding superstar Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans. This is the first game of a three-game road trip for the Knicks, who will attempt to snap their eight-game losing streak tonight against the Pelicans. Earlier in the week Phil Jackson said the Knicks were developing a ‘loser’s mentality’. Will they be able to turn things around starting tonight with the Pelicans? Here are some things to watch for when the two teams face off.
Matchup of the Game: Amar’e Stoudemire vs. Anthony Davis
The best player on the Pelicans will be going up against who has been the best player for the Knicks this season. Coming into the season this wouldn’t have been near the radar as a matchup to watch, but the play of Stoudemire has been outstanding for the Knicks, looking similar at times to his Phoenix Suns and early Knicks days. Davis has been easily the best player in the NBA, and looks to continue his torrid pace against the Knicks tonight. Davis dominates on both sides of the court, and will be a tough matchup for Stoudemire offensively.
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-Guarding Ryan Anderson
The Knicks have struggled in recent history slowing down Ryan Anderson, who has gone off against the Knicks in past matchups. Last season Anderson went for 31 points and six rebounds against the Knicks, knocking down seven three-pointers in a come from behind win. Two seasons ago he went for 30 and seven with another seven three-pointers made. The Knicks have to contain him as he is as dangerous as any player from behind the arc as a stretch-four.
-Can J.R. Keep It Going?
J.R. Smith has drawn the ire of Jackson recently as the Knicks president was chatting with the mercurial Knicks guard about his play with the second unit. Since though, Jackson has been pleased with the play of Smith, saying, “J.R. had a real bad week out in Texas, Oklahoma. I had a meeting with J.R. and expressed my concern that he show that ability that he has to lead the second unit. I’ve been very pleased with how he performed both on Thursday night [against Cleveland] and [Sunday] night.”
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Smith got his jump shot going against the Portland Trail Blazers early and often thanks in large part to Pablo Prigioni. If he can start building some momentum it would be a big help in the Knicks turning things around.
-Perimeter Defense
Both the Pelicans and Knicks struggle at guarding the three-point line. The Pelicans allow teams to shoot 35.9 percent from beyond the arc, while the Knicks are worse, but improving, at 37.8 percent. Whichever team that slows the other down most could get the edge in the game tonight, as mentioned above Anderson has been potent against the Knicks and a driving force in the Knicks defeats.