New York Knicks: Five lineups to explore during closing weeks of 2017-18

4 of 6

NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 23: Kyle O’Quinn #9 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 23, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. All-Out Defense + A Facilitator

G: Trey Burke
G: Frank Ntilikina
SF: Troy Williams
PF: Lance Thomas
C: Kyle O’Quinn

Trey Burke has earned hype as a potential starter, but there’s no denying that his game is perfect for the role of a sixth man. He’s instant offense as a scorer and facilitator, and is at his best when he can focus all of his energy on creating.

With Frank Ntilikina, Troy Williams, Lance Thomas, and Kyle O’Quinn at his side, Burke could be the offensive spark for a defensive-minded unit.

This group has only shared the court for 48 possessions, but it’s played exceptionally well during that time. It outscored opponents by a margin of 8.3 points per 100 possessions, with ideal production on both ends of the floor.

For perspective, the Knicks outscored opponents by 7.5 points per 100 possessions on 40 possessions with this exact group, except Isaiah Hicks in for Thomas.

Thus, it stands to reason that the four-man lineup of Burke-Ntilikina-Williams-O’Quinn is one to continue utilizing. The only exception to that group’s success was its brief run with Michael Beasley, which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

With an offensive-minded player in Burke leading a defensive-minded group of contributors, the Knicks may have found a second unit that could work long-term.

Home/Knicks News