New York Knicks Takeaways From Loss vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Bench Steps Up

With Carmelo Anthony sidelined, the Knicks needed players to step up. The bench got the memo, and they brought it all night. The bench has been a strength for the Knicks most of the season and against the Thunder they came up big.

Derrick Williams and Langston Galloway led the way for the second unit, as both played major crunch time minutes and made the most of their opportunities. Williams double-doubled for the second consecutive game, scoring 19 points with 10 rebounds, adding four assists and one steal as well.

More from New York Knicks

• New York Knicks Fall to Eighth After NBA Draft Lottery
• New York Knicks: Players to Draft in Worst-Case Lottery Scenario
• New York Knicks: Three Players Who Should Thrive Under Tom Thibodeau
• Is Devin Booker to the New York Knicks Realistic?
• New York Knicks: Tom Thibodeau Officially Hired as Head Coach

Galloway came up huge and bailed the Knicks out multiple times with timely baskets down the stretch. He stuffed the stat sheet, scoring 21 points with five rebounds, three assists and three steals as he was a catalyst in the Knicks getting easy baskets and scoring 20 fast break points. He should see more minutes down the stretch of games as he is a superior defender to Jose Calderon and can create for himself offensively when needed.

Kevin Seraphin and Jerian Grant also had strong games off the bench. Seraphin played strong defense, blocking three shots and shutting down Enes Kanter. He also added eight points and four rebounds in 16 minutes. Grant was a spark once again, and his chemistry with Galloway makes them a fun combination to watch. Grant, like Galloway, stuffed the stat sheet with seven points, two rebounds, six assists and two steals as he continues to gain confidence and get more comfortable on the court.

Next: Rough Night For AA