New York Knicks: Five starting lineups to use after blowout loss to Heat

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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 17: Mario Hezonja #8 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the game on October 17, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Trey Burke-Hardaway-Ntilikina-Mario Hezonja-Kanter

For offensive purposes, since the New York Knicks have struggled at times to score with their current lineup, this change keeps Trey Burke in the lineup and removes Lance Thomas, who provides defensive value at the four.

The original starting five was limited, with the lead ball-handler, Burke, only able to dish it to Tim Hardaway Jr. consistently. Frank Ntilikina and Thomas there for defense, for now, while Enes Kanter provides their low-post presence.

To try something different, Mario Hezonja can work into the stretch forward role.

As an additional three-point weapon, the Knicks are able to open the floor to start games. Especially if the Croation forward—a streaky shooter—finds his groove early instead of the stagnant attempts to give the team momentum, as seen in the Miami Heat game.

Hezonja is streaky, though, due to his shot selection. One night he goes 8-for-16; the next is 4-for 15 on 2-for-8 shooting.

Defensively, he’s not as reliable as Thomas or Noah Vonleh. It better suits the fourth-year pro for small forward or to continue to play off the bench, with his offensive repertoire as the focus.

This group potentially boosts New York’s scoring to open games, but at the risk of other parts that make it an offensive shootout on both sides.

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