New York Knicks: Who Stepped Up Against The Indiana Pacers?
Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah entered the rivalry game against the Indiana Pacers with a simple goal: play well. He’d struggled for a vast majority of the 2016-17 NBA regular season and was beginning to hear calls for his job to be distributed elsewhere.
Against the Pacers, Noah was one of the most valuable players for a New York Knicks team that was in desperate need of a victory.
Fresh HIGHLIGHTS from the #Knicks 15-point comeback win featuring @carmeloanthony’s 35 pres. by @budlight! #NYKvsIND pic.twitter.com/85Hk2lSc0B
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 21, 2016
Noah finished with 11 points, 11 rebounds, two offensive boards, two assists, and a pair of blocks in 30 minutes of play. He shot 4-of-8 from the field and 3-of-4 from the free throw line, including the pair of clutch free throws he made in the fourth quarter.
On both ends of the floor, it was an outstanding showing from Noah, who should feel incredibly confident following this performance.
Noah still has issues that he needs to resolve, but stepping up to the free throw line in a close game and burying two free throws was massive. Showings like this can only help his confidence—and help the Knicks win.
One can’t help but feel good for Noah, who has endured a significant amount of criticism for his performances early in 2016-17.