New York Knicks: Who Stepped Up Against The Minnesota Timberwolves?

Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves center Cole Aldrich (45) during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves center Cole Aldrich (45) during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Marshall Plumlee (40) and New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) look on during a break in action during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Marshall Plumlee (40) and New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) look on during a break in action during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Marshall Plumlee

His statistics weren’t exactly prolific, but Marshall Plumlee had an outstanding showing against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His tenacity was nothing short of vital to the Knicks surviving a road test that includes a blown 17-point lead.

Plumlee got the job done on both ends of the floor with his energy, physicality, and relentless pursuit of victory.

Plumlee finished with four points, five rebounds, one offensive board, one assist, and one steal in 19 minutes of court time. That’s far from stellar, even if he did make his only field goal attempt and go 2-of-3 at the free throw line.

What’s far more important than the numbers, however, is the energy and defense that Plumlee provided in Joakim Noah’s absence.

Plumlee wasn’t afraid to get physical with the opposition, which includes a massive offensive rebound late in the fourth quarter. He chased down an errant shot and drew a foul on Gorgui Dieng to help stop the clock and slow the game down in the middle of Minnesota’s run.

Plumlee may never be the most productive player on the Knicks’ roster, but his +/- of +11 accurately reflects the impact he had on the outcome of this game.