Chauncey Billups singles out defence as the key to success for New York Knicks – NBA Update
Veteran NBA point guard Chauncey Billups has said that if the New York Knicks want to achieve their lofty targets, they have to get better on defence.
The Knicks star added that his team will be aiming for the NBA World Championship next season, and he knew how to get there.
"If these guys are serious about winning we know that the only way to win is to be better on defence. If guys are committed to do that, we've got the talent," Billups said in an interview for ESPN.
The New York Knicks made significant moves last season to raise the profile of the franchise and build a team capable of challenging for the NBA World Championship. They acquired super star power forward Amar’e Stoudemire in the
summer from the free agency. Later, in the mid season trade window, came star man Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets, and along him came the wily point guard, Billups.
Anthony’s arrival was hailed in New York as the beginning of a new era and he didn’t disappoint. His performances were terrific and the player elevated his game in post season against the Boston Celtics.
Although Stoudemire got injured when the playoffs came around, he was a huge hit with the Knicks in the regular season, averaging around 25 points per games.
However, as good as both of those players are on offence, it is the defence that will win you championships, according to Billups.
That could be a long ask for Stoudemire and Carmelo, who are both known for shirking some defensive responsibilities from time to time. They are both explosive scorers, who can carry a team alone on offence, but defence just isn’t
there forte.
So does Billups think they will be able to adapt their games?
"That's going to be something we're going to have to find out. I think so but I could be wrong," Billups said, adding, "I think those guys want to win and that's the only way to win."
While most fans were excited with the arrivals of Amar’e and Anthony, the shrewd analysts believed Billups acquisition was equally important. In Chauncey, the Knicks have someone with invaluable experience.
Not only does he know defence, the point guard also knows winning. He was a part of the famous 2004 Detroit Pistons side that won the NBA World Championship. Billups and his side were pitted against the overwhelming favourites,
Los Angeles Lakers.
Los Angeles had Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant in their prime, as well as legendary veterans Karl Malone and Gary Payton, yet the Pistons managed to trump them quite easily in the end.
The key to that team’s success was Detroit’s defensive astuteness. Oh, and Billups was named Finals MVP.
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