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New York Knicks: Who Stepped Up Against The Oklahoma City Thunder?

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 28, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) during a break in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) during a break in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) during warm ups prior to a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) during warm ups prior to a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Willy Hernangomez

The New York Knicks have a future starter on the roster in rookie center Willy Hernangomez. He’s played with an eagerness to learn that has endeared him to his coaches, teammates, and newly acquired fans in New York.

Against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Hernangomez continued to show signs of progress in what was a tough matchup against a deep interior.

Hernangomez played just 14 minutes against Oklahoma City, but he stepped up during his time on the court. He posted eight points, three assists, two rebounds, one offensive board, and two steals on 3-of-5 shooting from the field and a perfect 2-of-2 mark at the free throw line.

It was yet another balanced and efficient statistical performance by Hernangomez, who’s beginning to hit his stride.

Over the past five games, Hernangomez averaged 7.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 20.2 minutes on 70.8 percent shooting from the field. He’s still adjusting to the pace of the NBA game, but he’s not backing down from the challenge of playing significant minutes early in his career.

Joakim Noah remains the starter, but Hernangomez represents the bright future of Knicks basketball.

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