5 reasons the Knicks can still win the Eastern Conference

2 of 7

Nov 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) reacts during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

5. The Bench

The New York Knicks bench has been one of the more surprising units in 2016-17. Their reserve-core revolves around a suddenly efficient Brandon Jennings. The former Milwaukee Bucks leading scorer has been a steady-hand off the bench this season. He is playing major minutes while backing up starter Derrick Rose.

Jennings, who is one of four Knicks players to play in every game this season, currently leads the team in assists per game. A surprising feat for a bench player and the only reserve to do so this season.

With Jennings as the team’s facilitator, the Knicks have been ultra-successful. In the nine games where he has had seven or more assists, the team has won eight of nine. His scoring has also become more of a factor as of late. In his last five games he has averaged 14.6 points a game on 46 percent shooting.

https://twitter.com/NBAInside_Stuff/status/808311730900242434

Other bench players to make an impact this season are center Kyle O’Quinn and guard Justin Holiday. Quinn has been the anchor in the middle of the reserve-unit, averaging 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Holiday has been a “3-and-D” specialist for New York, shooting over 37 percent from beyond the arc and playing great defense.

Home/New York Knicks