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New York Knicks: Keys To Defeating The Denver Nuggets

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) dribbles the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Knicks 110-94. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) dribbles the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Knicks 110-94. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard Justin Holiday (8) warms up before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard Justin Holiday (8) warms up before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

4. The Second Unit

The New York Knicks have received a number of pleasant surprises from the second unit. Kyle O’Quinn is in the midst of the best stretch of his NBA career, Brandon Jennings is finding his form, and the likes of Ron Baker, Willy Hernangomez, and Justin Holiday have all stepped up.

In order for the Knicks to defeat a star-less but deep Denver Nuggets team, the second unit must be up to the task of playing well on both ends.

O’Quinn is averaging 10.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.0 offensive boards, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 21.6 minutes over the course of his past eight games. He’s recorded at least 20 points and 14 rebounds in two of those performances.

Matched up against a Nuggets team that has a significant measure of depth along the interior, the Knicks will need O’Quinn to continue to excel.

Hernangomez could play an equally as large role against his brother Juancho and the Nuggets as a rebounder, low-post scorer, and facilitator. From there, it will be a matter of Baker, Jennings, and Holiday solidifying the perimeter on both ends.

Whether or not starting point guard Derrick Rose is healthy and available, the Knicks will need the second unit to rise to the occasion in Denver.

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