New York Knicks Look To Stifle Chicago Bulls’ Playoff Hopes
By Randy Porga
The New York Knicks will be facing the Chicago Bulls at home on Tuesday night. Can New York disrupt its rival’s push for the postseason?
Only five games remain for the New York Knicks. For most fans, the season couldn’t end any faster. With Derrick Rose and Carmelo Anthony inactive, the bench has one last ditch effort to prove themselves.
The story of this game will be attempting to stifle the Chicago Bulls’ playoff hopes. Playing for pride should also be high on the agenda.
Ron Baker Against Rajon Rondo
One matchup to watch closely Tuesday night will be Ron Baker going up against Rajon Rondo. One might argue that, with the performances Baker has put forth at point guard recently, he may be the primary backup next year.
During Baker’s most recent performance against the Miami Heat, he has shown again how his court vision is nothing short of phenomenal. It seems regretful not seeing Baker in more often earlier in the year.
He constantly shows the mentality of a pass-first point guard and continues his hustle and hardworking style of play
Rajon Rondo is averaging 7.8 point, 6.7 assists, and 2.5 turnovers per game. Not quite the style of player who will light up the scoreboard, but Baker and his never-ending energy should serve him well in this matchup.
Kristaps Porzingis And Willy Hernangomez Against Robin Lopez
The Bulls don’t exactly have depth at the forward and center positions. What the Bulls lack the Knicks actually have plenty of. That’s where the Knicks should do some proper bullying.
The only threat Robin Lopez serves is his physicality and his high-percentage looks this season. Lopez is averaging 10.2 points and 1.4 blocks per game with a comfortable field goal percentage of 49.2 percent.
Willy Hernangomez has recently been exhibiting more force on the inside while tangling up with the opposing teams’ big men. Although certainly disappointed by the results of the season, now is not the time to be discouraged.
The duo should finish the year playing with attitude while continuing to develop their chemistry.
Courtney Lee and Justin Holiday Look To Outpace Jimmy Butler
The guards are both looking to perform well against the playoff hopefuls and solidifying their right to remain with the Knicks next year. Courtney Lee, over the past 10 games, is averaging 10.7 points per game while shooting a very efficient 42.1 percent from the field.
Justin Holiday has been playing half as many minutes as Lee, but also is scoring 7.5 points per game over the last 10 outings. Now more than ever, Holiday should certainly see an uptick in playing time.
Although the Bulls are 5-3 since losing Dwayne Wade to a fractured elbow, the Knicks should be looking to shoot for the kill. Without Wade on the court, its safe to assume most of the scoring duties will be left to Jimmy Butler.
The sixth-year veteran is mercilessly scoring 27.1 points per game over the last 10 games.
Making The Road To The Playoffs Difficult
The first time these teams met, New York allowed Butler to score 26 points in a 117-104 Knicks victory. Butler sat out the second game of the series due to illness, which also led to a 104-89 victory.
The Knicks also had Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose playing while the Heat still had a healthy Dwayne Wade.
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Although the New York Knicks are eliminated from the playoffs, their mission is to frustrate a Chicago Bulls team fighting to remain in the postseason hunt.