Crunch Time
- 5: Joakim Noah
- 4: Kristaps Porzingis
- 3: Carmelo Anthony
- 2: Courtney Lee
- 1: Derrick Rose
Sure, the standard crunch time lineup will resemble the starters. It’s not rocket science, especially with this grouping.
Small Lineup
- 5: Kristaps Porzingis
- 4: Carmelo Anthony
- 3: Courtney Lee
- 2: Derrick Rose
- 1: Brandon Jennings
Here’s the lineup that’ll rival the standard starting five on many nights. If Brandon Jennings is clicking and Hornacek wants to take advantage of a small and versatile personnel grouping, he’ll place B-Jenn at the one, sub out Noah, and shift everybody up a spot.
It’s a lineup that can do serious damage. If Hornacek doesn’t want to take Noah out, Melo can stay at the three, Rose can shift to the two, and Lee can sit on the bench for much more of an offensive look.
Defensive Lineup
- 5: Joakim Noah
- 4: Kristaps Porzingis
- 3: Lance Thomas
- 2: Courtney Lee
- 1: Brandon Jennings
The two weak defensive links in the Knicks starting five are Anthony and Rose. Admittedly, Jennings isn’t a terrific defender, but should the Knicks want to go with their best defensive crop without losing too much offensively, this would be it.
This lineup would hardly every happen, aside from the critical possessions at the end of games when offense isn’t a factor.
