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

By Rob Wolkenbrod

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 24: Frank Ntilikina #11 and Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks celebrate against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on October 24, 2018 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 24: Frank Ntilikina #11 and Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks celebrate against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on October 24, 2018 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 20: Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks reacts to a play during the game against the Boston Celtics on October 20, 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) /

2. Ntilikina-Hardaway-Damyean Dotson-Hezonja-Kanter

If David Fizdale wants to emphasize offense now more than ever for the New York Knicks, this lineup arguably overdoes it, with the bench there to mix and match defensive units.

Frank Ntilikina, Tim Hardaway Jr., Damyean Dotson and Mario Hezonja all offer the three-point shot in their respective offensive arsenals, which opens the floor to work inside-out. That’s with Enes Kanter in the paint, while three shooters and a versatile ball-handler work alongside him.

This lineup capitalizes on Dotson’s productive three games in the rotation. He might have the best chance of any bench player to join the starting lineup, especially after 20 points and 10 rebounds in Wednesday’s loss to the Heat.

Ntilikina also moves into the main point guard role, again, to work the developmental process and see how he runs the offense. As Jonathan Macri of Knicks Film School noted, the Frenchman isn’t the usual player at this position, but it’s also a gamble to see if he can handle the distributor duties.

Defensively, removing Lance Thomas for Mario Hezonja creates a case identical to Lineup No. 4. Plus, it pushes two bench options into the starting lineup. It makes Trey Burke and Allonzo Trier the primary scorers afterward, but neither offers the size and mismatch combination of Hezonja or Dotson.

This group may work better deeper in games when the Knicks need an offensive spark. To start, it’s a risk but offers intrigue.

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