Oct 28, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New York Knicks forward
Derrick Williams(23) drives for the basket as Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) defends during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sixth Man: Derrick Williams
Overall Grade: A+
Minutes Played: 21
+/-: +20
Stat Line: 24 PTS, 7 REB, 1 AST, 1 BLK, 8/17 FG, 1/3 3PT, 7/9 FT
If you’re looking for a team MVP, that award goes directly to sixth man Derrick Williams. The 24-year-old became an instant fan favorite, taking over the game from the second he came onto the court.
By the end of the night, he tied a franchise record.
Derrick Williams has 24 for the #Knicks. Ties Knicks record for most points off the bench in a season-opener. Bucks missing Mayo, Giannis
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) October 29, 2015
Not too shabby.
With New York’s offense stalling in the first half, Williams took over. He attacked in transition, converted put backs and worked the base line in anticipation of drop-offs from slashing facilitators.
By the end of two quarters, Williams had already put 15 points on the board.
Whether he was taking it coast-to-coast or complementing a playmaker, Williams was superb. He dominated the offensive glass, out-hustled his assignments and even spaced the floor with a 3-point field goal.
If this is the Derrick Williams that New York signed, it got the steal of the summer.
Next: Reserves