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New York Knicks: Players Who Must Step Up Against Indiana Pacers

By Maxwell Ogden

December 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) celebrates with head coach Jeff Hornacek the 118-112 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) celebrates with head coach Jeff Hornacek the 118-112 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Justin Holiday (8) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Justin Holiday (8) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 104-94. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Justin Holiday

Position: Guard/Forward
Games Played: 27 of 27
2016-17 Slash Line: .420/.371/.833
2016-17 Season Averages: 19.0 MPG, 6.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.0 3PM

This is the type of game that Justin Holiday could make or break for the New York Knicks. That’s a heavy burden for a player who comes off the bench, but Holiday’s role projects to be immense against the Indiana Pacers.

Indiana has built a roster with a significant amount of perimeter depth, which means New York’s backup players will be as important as the starters.

In the case of Holiday, his role will be to defend both the star-caliber wings and the dynamic reserves. He’ll spend time defending Paul George, but he’ll likely play most of his possessions against C.J. Miles.

Miles may not be an all-around player of George’s caliber, but he’s an outstanding 3-point shooter who’s good for consistent double-digit scoring outings.

Holiday doesn’t need to score an explosive amount of points, but he must play Miles close when they’re on the floor together. Sticking to his man and not allowing separation for open 3-point shots could be the key to the outcome of the game.

Miles is currently averaging 11.3 points and 2.1 3-point field goals made per game on 42.2 percent shooting from distance, which inevitably makes defending him a critical issue.

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