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Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks: 5 Things To Watch For

By Kenneth Teape

Nov 1, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA;New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) goes to the basket as Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) and guard Ish Smith (14) defend during the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA;New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) goes to the basket as Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) and guard Ish Smith (14) defend during the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Pistons vs New York Knicks: 5 Things To Watch For
Nov 1, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Marcus Morris (13) drives to the basket as New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) defends during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

Who Does Carmelo Anthony Defend?

The defense for the Knicks has been a problem throughout the season. One of the culprits has been Carmelo Anthony. While he is still a gifted scorer, Anthony has been exposed on almost a nightly basis on the defensive end of the court.

Opponents are keying in on Anthony and attacking him. Norman Powell had a good game against him in the Knicks’ last game, and the Pistons took advantage on the first night as well. Anthony has never been supremely athletic and it is showing this season as teams are making him work hard on defense.

The Pistons did it well, running Morris and Harris all over the court with Anthony lagging behind. Anthony said earlier this week he likes playing power forward, but the Knicks committed to him being the small forward with the moves they have made during the offseason.

It is something they will have to figure out as there is no one to hide him against on the Pistons. Harris and Morris both present problems for Anthony, especially on the perimeter. The Knicks will have to figure this one out earlier in the game than they did in the first meeting, as the poor first half was too big a deficit to overcome.

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