Part 3/7:
A critical aspect of the Knicks' strategy should be to quash any burgeoning confidence from the Pistons, particularly from young star Cade Cunningham. In a recent close game, Cunningham missed a crucial shot that could have turned the tide. The point was made that while he possesses immense talent, he is not yet the clutch player his counterpart Jaylen Brunson is. If the Knicks allow Cunningham to find his rhythm or experience success, the landscape of the series could change dramatically.
In the world of sports, confidence can be a double-edged sword. When players feel they have the momentum on their side, it can be exceedingly difficult to turn the tide back in the opposite direction. This is a lesson the Knicks learned all too well in previous playoff encounters.