New York Knicks: Players Who Stood Out Against Boston Celtics

Oct 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) has a laugh on the bench during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) has a laugh on the bench during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard James Young (13) drives to the basket past New York Knicks forward Kyle O’Quinn (9) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard James Young (13) drives to the basket past New York Knicks forward Kyle O’Quinn (9) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle O’Quinn

Kyle O’Quinn needed a performance of this caliber. There’s still work to be done on the defensive end of the floor, but O’Quinn stepped up for the New York Knicks against an Al Horford-less Boston Celtics squad.

O’Quinn has game, and there’s no question about it, but he’ll need to do this more often if he’s going to win the three-man race to be the backup center.

O’Quinn recorded 13 points, eight rebounds, six offensive boards, and one block in 17 minutes. He did so while shooting 6-of-9 from the field and 1-of-2 from the free throw line—all adding up to what was easily his best showing of the preseason thus far.

It was also a necessary performance for O’Quinn, who has been outplayed by both Willy Hernangomez and Marshall Plumlee.

O’Quinn provides comedic relief in the locker room, which can be of extraordinary value during an 82-game season. He needs to show more on the court, however, specifically on the defensive end of the floor.

This was a quality performance that displayed his abilities, however, and O’Quinn certainly needed it.