Knicks Preview: Keys to Defeating Los Angeles Lakers
Oct 31, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks forward
Derrick Williams(23) is fouled by Washington Wizards center
Marcin Gortat(13) while attempting to dunk the ball in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Knicks won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
5. Second Unit
On the surface, the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are similar teams. They both feature all-time scorers in their 30s and a starting lineup that’s flush with question marks or inexperience.
The two areas in which both teams truly, thrive, however: the second unit.
The likes of Langston Galloway, Jerian Grant, Kyle O’Quinn, Kevin Seraphin, Lance Thomas and Derrick Williams have helped the Knicks build a superb bench. They’re scoring with consistency and often outproducing the starting lineup.
Thus far, New York’s second unit is averaging 47.2 points per game—No. 4 in the NBA.
The Lakers’ bench has produced at a similarly strong rate, tallying 41.4 points per game—No. 6. That group is led by the likes of Brandon Bass, Louis Williams and Nick Young.
The second unit that produces more may determine the winner of the game.
Next: The Rising Stars