Knicks Preview: Keys to Defeating the Orlando Magic
Nov 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks guard
Langston Galloway(2) drives to the basket as Miami Heat guard
Tyler Johnson(8) defends during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
4. The Second Unit
Early this season, the New York Knicks had one of the best benches in the NBA. The scoring output was consistent, the defensive intensity was high, and the threats were limitless.
Against the Miami Heat, the second unit was nowhere to be found.
Matched up against Miami, which boasts unspeakable depth, the second unit scored a grand total of 10 points. That’s an unforgivable level of inefficiency, specifically against a team as talented as the Heat.
The reserves will need to bounce back against the Orlando Magic.
Langston Galloway and company have been instrumental in New York being above-.500 after 15 games. Between the opportunistic defense and the timely shooting, the Knicks have overwhelmed opponents with the strength-in-numbers nature of the second unit.
There may not be a Sixth Man of the Year favorite on the bench, but there’s an overwhelming measure of valuable depth.
Next: All About Matchups