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New York Knicks: Who Stepped Up Against Detroit Pistons?

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 16, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (91) and forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) react after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (91) and forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) react after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 16, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Justin Holiday (8) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (7) during second half at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Justin Holiday (8) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (7) during second half at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Holiday

The New York Knicks are attempting to build a reliable second unit that can provide consistent relief to an aging starting lineup. The attempts to do so have been somewhat unrewarding, but there have been promising signs.

One could very easily make the case that backup shooting guard Justin Holiday has been the most reliable reserve in 2016-17.

Holiday finished with a smooth nine points, five rebounds, two offensive rebounds, and one block in 24 minutes of relief. He shot 3-of-7 from the field, 1-of-3 from distance, and 2-of-2 at the free throw line, but his contributions were more about timing than numerical value.

Holiday made a number of key plays during the fourth quarter, including a stretch during which a number of starters went relatively cold.

Holiday has scored at least nine points in three of his past four games, which is a promising sign for the second unit. He’s also stepped up defensively, which has directly resulted in New York improving as a team.

Holiday’s emergence could prove to be one of the key developments of the 2016-17 season for the Knicks’ second unit.

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