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New York Knicks: Who Stepped Up Against The Sacramento Kings?

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) is defended by Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) is defended by Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas (42) signs autographs for young fans prior to a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas (42) signs autographs for young fans prior to a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Lance Thomas

Statistically speaking, Lance Thomas had a rather subpar game for the New York Knicks. Beyond the numbers, Thomas had an outstanding performance that firmly established why he’s loved by his coaches.

Whether he was stepping up with a clutch shot or making a critical play on defense, Thomas proved why Phil Jackson re-signed him.

He did.

Thomas’ 3-point field goal with 9:38 remaining on the game clock and the charge he took with 10:03 on the clock set the tone for the Knicks’ fourth quarter resurgence. Six points and three rebounds is nothing to write home about, but it’s also not what should be discussed.

Thomas stepped up when the Knicks needed plays to be made and momentum to be maintained, which is more important than a mere statistic.

Many NBA legends have said that the toughest clutch shot isn’t the game-winner, but the shot that prevents the opposition from pulling away. It’s made when hope is slipping away and doubt is beginning to creep into the minds of the fans and players.

Thomas made those clutch plays as the Knicks somehow managed to survive the opening minutes of the fourth quarter without Carmelo Anthony.

Must Read: Carmelo Anthony reaches a historic scoring mark

Don’t look now, Knicks fans, but New York is 13-10 and the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.

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