New York Knicks: Who Stepped Up Against The Phoenix Suns?
Kyle O’Quinn
December has been the month of Kyle O’Quinn. After struggling to make his mark during the 2015-16 season—and the months of October an November in 2016-17—O’Quinn has been playing the best basketball of his NBA career in December.
Against the Phoenix Suns, O’Quinn continued to show why Phil Jackson invested a four-year contract into his services.
O’Quinn finished with another incredible stat line. He recorded 22 points, 14 rebounds, five offensive rebounds, two assists, and one steal on 9-of-16 shooting from the field and 4-of-6 shooting from the charity stripe.
Most importantly, O’Quinn dominated for the Knicks during the third and fourth quarters—when New York needed him most.
O’Quinn scored seven of his 13 points in the third and fourth quarters alone. He worked his way inside, fought through contact, and legitimately dominated the boards as the Knicks mounted a thrilling comeback.
If O’Quinn is going to play with this type of intensity for the rest of his career, then Jackson is a genius for his contract.