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New York Knicks: Players Who Stepped Up Against Brooklyn Nets

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) defended by Brooklyn Nets guard Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Nets 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) defended by Brooklyn Nets guard Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Nets 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Willy Hernangomez

Position: Center
Minutes Played: 20
Stat Line: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 6/10 FG, 0/1 3PT
+/-: +6

For the second consecutive preseason game, New York Knicks rookie Willy Hernangomez made the most of his opportunities. After providing great energy against the Houston Rockets, he flashed his low-post prowess against the Brooklyn Nets.

As both a scorer and facilitator, Hernangomez displayed the offensive upside that makes him the future of the center position for New York.

Hernangomez finished with 12 points, four rebounds, and two assists on 6-of-10 shooting in 20 minutes of play. He consistently went to the post and had no trouble finishing in traffic against NBA competition.

The energy was there during the preseason opener, but Hernangomez did against Brooklyn what he did at the 2016 Summer Olympics: took over when his number was called.

At 22 years of age, Hernangomez’s fundamentals are ahead of the curve. It still needs polish, and he will need time to adjust, but it’s perfectly clear why Phil Jackson likes Hernangomez’s game so much.

With more performances like this, Hernangomez will safely secure his spot as the backup center in 2016-17 and the starting center in the future.

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