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Knicks Bench Making A Name For Itself

The New York Knicks bench got off to a rough start this year, but the "no name" bench is now starting to make a name for itself.

The New York Knicks got off to a rough start this year. Their rough start was generated by their below average defense, inconsistent offense, and poor bench production; however, the Knicks have hit a stride lately, and that’s thanks to their bench producing at a very high level. While mostly unknown, the Knicks “no name” bench is making a name for itself.

Knicks Bench Making A Name For Itself

Brandon Jennings

In the offseason, the Knicks and Brandon Jennings agreed to a one-year deal to bring the point guard to New York. He came to the big apple with the intention of being Derrick Rose‘s backup; he’s done just that, and has produced very nicely in that role. Jennings is a scoring guard, but he’s been productive more so as a facilitator. While Jennings is averaging just over five assists a game, it’s his crafty playmaking abilities that are making him so valuable to this Knicks team. In fact, one of those reserves that he is finding, guard Justin Holiday, has produced very nicely as well.

Justin Holiday 

Holiday was acquired in the Rose trade, and he was considered just a throw in; however, he has been very productive off the bench, and more than just a throw in. He’s come off the bench and hit the three, has attacked the rim, and he’s been a great perimeter defender. While Holiday doesn’t fill up the stat sheet, he is shooting a career high from the field, as well as the three point line. Another player who has come off the bench and hit the three ball is forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas.

Mindaugas Kuzminskas 

The Lithuanian Kuzminskas has been a pleasant surprise in the young season. He has come off the bench and been an asset for the Knicks offensively. He has been able to come in and hit the three ball, as well as drive and finish in the paint. While Kuzminskas doesn’t get a ton of minutes, he has made the most of the minutes he has gotten; however, Kuzminskas isn’t the only European on the Knicks to make the most of his minutes.

Willy Hernangomez 

Big man Willy Hernangomez has produced well off the Knick bench. The center has come off the bench and produced on both ends of the floor. Hernangomez is a good defender, and he has a bit of an offensive game; he can post up and can finish in the paint. He even scored 14 points in the fourth quarter of a game against the Brooklyn Nets earlier this season. Hernangomez has been a more than serviceable big man off the bench, as has Kyle O’Quinn.

Kyle O’Quinn

Big man O’Quinn has also produced well as a reserve big man. While not the most athletic player, O’Quinn can play both ends of the court. He’s a good defender, and has an offensive game in his arsenal; he can hit from 15 feet out, post up, and hit the boards both offensively and defensively. O’Quinn has also started the Knicks last two games in spite of Joakim Noah‘s illness, and the Knicks were able to come away with wins in both those games. O’Quinn has been very productive and serviceable for this Knick team.

This Knicks Bench Is Making A Name For Itself

The New York Knicks are starting to play some good basketball, and their bench play is a big part of that. While their bench got off to a very slow start this season, they have started to produce very nicely, and the “no name” bench is starting to make a name for itself.

 

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