New York Knicks: Who Stepped Up Against The Miami Heat?

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Dec 6, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks center Kyle O’Quinn (9) reacts after dunking in the game against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The New York Knicks defeat the Miami Heat 114-103. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Kyle O’Quinn

For quite some time, New York Knicks fans blasted Phil Jackson for signing Kyle O’Quinn to a four-year contract. During the 2016-17 NBA regular season, however, O’Quinn has redeemed himself and made Jackson look brilliant.

For the fourth consecutive game, O’Quinn stepped up and stood out as one of the most important contributors to the Knicks’ victory.

O’Quinn finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, five offensive boards, three assists, two blocks, and a steal in 27 minutes. He shot 6-of-8 from the field and made a number of clutch plays as a scorer, facilitator, and defender.

With Joakim Noah in foul trouble, O’Quinn stepped up and continued what’s been the best stretch of his NBA career.

O’Quinn’s energy has translated from the offensive glass to the defensive end of the floor—the missing piece to his otherwise assembling puzzle. He’s an outstanding passer—see: multiple alley-oop passes to Carmelo Anthony—with a quality midrange game, but his defense has long been lackluster.

With his defensive tenacity now matching his offensive versatility, the 6’10” big man with a 7’5″ wingspan is realizing his immense potential.

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