Brandon Jennings
When the New York Knicks signed Brandon Jennings, most expected him to step up as a scorer. During his brief Knicks career, however, he’s galvanized the Knicks’ offense as a facilitator and done the same for the defense with his on-ball pressure and active hands.
Jennings is beginning to score at the level he’s expected to, but he’s been exceptional as a defensive player and playmaker.
.@brandonjennings is cooking! No. 3 with 12p off the bench in 22 minutes. Hornets lead down to 82-81 with 8:20 to go. #Knicks #NYKvsCHA pic.twitter.com/FAMawx8W7O
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 27, 2016
Jennings finished the Hornets game with 12 points, four assists, one rebound, and five steals in 25 minutes of action. He shot 5-of-10 from the field and 2-of-5 from 3-point range, and had a +/- of +2 during this five-point loss.
With the Knicks’ defense slacking and the offense looking stagnant, Jennings stepped up to lead the Knicks to invaluable improvements on both ends.
The Knicks have been consistently inconsistent on the defensive end of the floor during road games. Jennings’ activity and uncanny ability to create turnovers was one of the defining factors in this performance by the Knicks.
Jennings may not be posting gaudy numbers, but he’s been a legitimate X-Factor for a Knicks team that’s been scorching hot in recent games.