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New York Knicks: Preview And Prediction For Tonight’s Game vs Washington

By Matthew Perez

Nov 17, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) dribbles past Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) dribbles past Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) drives the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) drives the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Ball Movement

The New York Knicks had 27 assists last night against the Boston Celtics. Ball movement is contagious, and guys are much more willing to defend when they know they’ll get the ball on offense.

Any team that can muster up more than 20 assists in a game will put themselves in a position to win plenty of basketball games. The Golden State Warriors average over 30 assists per game (five more than any other team) this season. That’s a big reason for their 36-6 start.

The Wizards are in the Top 10 in assists, averaging 23.1. The Knicks, on the other hand, are 18th with 21.8. Hopefully the Knicks’ victory last night will motivate them to focus on ball movement.

Bench Production

On paper, the Knicks have a talented bench. Last night, they proved it on the court, as the bench contributed 55 points. If the Knicks are without Porzingis and Noah, they will need another stellar performance from their role players.

The Knicks’ bench ranks 19th in the NBA, averaging 33.2 points per game. The Wizards bench ranks 29th, averaging 23.6 points.

The difference in the game tonight will be the difference in bench play. Given the Knicks’ game last night, the bench is in line for another big night at MSG.

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