The New York Knicks will face the Denver Nuggets in an attempt at a three-game winning streak. Who are the players to watch?
Not too long ago, the New York Knicks, coached by David Fizdale, were blown out by the Denver Nuggets at home. Less than 24 hours later, Fizdale was fired after just over 100 games as the head coach.
Now, it’s Mike Malone’s chance at leading the Knicks against the Nuggets, but with a two-game winning streak in his back pocket, defeating the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings in this prolonged Western Conference trip.
So, before the Knicks play at Denver, who are the players to keep an eye on, on Saturday night?
Nikola Jokic
Eight players scored double-digit points against the Knicks on Dec. 5. None of them, surprisingly, were Nikola Jokic, Denver’s star player.
Up until that point, Jokic was struggling. However, in the five games since he has 23.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game. His ascending play, which is necessary for Denver to compete with the West’s best, is coming at the proper time as the season moves to its core.
If Jokic is on his game again, Taj Gibson and Mitchell Robinson will each have a difficult time containing the All-Star big man. It’s an interesting matchup nonetheless.
Will Barton
Another player on a good streak, Will Barton has averaged 19.7 points in his last three games for the Nuggets. On 51.1 percent shooting and 37.7 percent on 3-pointers, the scoring outputs have contributed to a few wins and a narrow loss against the Philadelphia 76ers.
In the first Knicks game Barton had 17 points on 6-for-9 shooting and four 3-pointers. He decimated New York from all over the court, much like other guards have due to suspect perimeter defense.
If the Knicks can’t contain the perimeter again, which they had trouble with against Buddy Hield, Barton will thrive and cause issues throughout the evening.
Julius Randle
Don’t look now, but Julius Randle‘s past few games have been effective and efficient. Since Fizdale’s firing, the veteran power forward has 20.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game on 46.8 percent shooting and 41.2 percent on 3-pointers.
Randle has found mini hot streaks before, but these numbers are all under Miller’s watch. For each game they sustain, it points the Kentucky product in the right direction, after a disappointing first quarter of the season. Plus, as he plays well, the New York Knicks win games, including the one-point loss to Indiana on Dec. 7. That’s not a coincidence.