New York Knicks: 3 key players to watch ahead of Game 2

NBA New York Knicks Derrick Rose (Photo by Seth Wenig - Pool/Getty Images)
NBA New York Knicks Derrick Rose (Photo by Seth Wenig - Pool/Getty Images)
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New York Knicks
New York Knicks Derrick Rose (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)

New York Knicks that need to step up in Game 2: Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose was a sight for sore eyes on Sunday when he entered the game in the first quarter for the struggling Elfrid Payton. He finished with 17 points on 8-16 shooting along with five assists and five rebounds. On the flip side, he also had a team-high 5 turnovers.

Rose’s scoring is needed desperately for the Knicks to win games. If Thibs throws Rose into the starting lineup he will be an instant factor offensively. For the Knicks to win he will have to score north of 20 points, limit his turnovers, and prevent Young from wreaking havoc in the paint.

The strategy at this point is to live with Young taking contested jumpers over easy floaters which he is a master at.  Rose won’t be alone at defending Young but just like Game 1, we can expect to see him have the bulk of the minutes at the point guard position.