Knicks Preview: Keys to Defeating Los Angeles Lakers
Oct 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard
John Wall(2) battles for the ball with New York Knicks guard
Jose Calderon(3) and Knicks guard
Sasha Vujacic(18) in the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
3. The Right Guards
Jose Calderon and Sasha Vujacic are experienced veterans whose skills exist, but athleticism has declined. Langston Galloway and Jerian Grant are inexperienced playmakers whose skills are developing, but athleticism is legitimate.
Against Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell, Derek Fisher and the New York Knicks will need to trust Galloway and Grant.
Russell isn’t the most explosive player, but he’s a crafty playmaker. He can take a player off the bounce and convert with both a floater in the paint and a gorgeous step-back jumper.
Russell is also a creative passer who can and will exploit openings.
Clarkson, on the other hand, is an explosive athlete. He can penetrate at virtual will, possessing the quickness and leaping ability to blow by defenders and finish above the rim.
Calderon and Vujacic simply don’t match up defensively or athletically with the Lakers’ backcourt; Galloway and Grant do.
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