New York Knicks Preview: Keys To Defeating The Brooklyn Nets

5. The Second Unit

The New York Knicks hold a clear talent advantage over the Brooklyn Nets as far as the starting lineups are concerned. That should give New York an opportunity to secure a necessary victory over the division rivals.

What’s been plaguing the Knicks throughout the first six games of the 2016-17 campaign, however, is a lackluster second unit.

Brandon Jennings has played well as a scorer and facilitator, although he’s yet to truly establish himself in either regard. Beyond Jennings is a cast of reserves who have the talent, but haven’t yet found their rhythm.

The likes of Justin Holiday, Mindaugas Kuzminskas, Kyle O’Quinn, and Lance Thomas will need to step up against a Nets team that may not have star power, but certainly has depth.

Brooklyn’s roster is flush with quality players who can make a collectively strong impact. The Knicks’ starters should control the pace of this game, but the reserves need to show signs of life against the Nets.

This game could be the perfect opportunity for Jeff Hornacek’s second unit to finally find its form in 2016-17.