New York Knicks: Who Stepped Up Against The Boston Celtics?

Jan 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) and forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (91) react after a play against the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden. The Knicks defeated the Celtics 117-106. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) and forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (91) react after a play against the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden. The Knicks defeated the Celtics 117-106. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks guard Courtney Lee (5) steals the ball from Boston Celtics forward Jordan Mickey (55) in the second half at TD Garden. The Knicks defeated the Celtics 117-106. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks guard Courtney Lee (5) steals the ball from Boston Celtics forward Jordan Mickey (55) in the second half at TD Garden. The Knicks defeated the Celtics 117-106. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Courtney Lee

For the second consecutive game, Courtney Lee came off the bench. Having started 36 of his first 37 appearances, many feared that Lee would be disgruntled with Jeff Hornacek’s decision to start Ron Baker at shooting guard.

Instead, Lee stepped up with his most well-rounded showing of the season in 38 sensational minutes off the bench.

Lee responded to adversity with nine points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two offensive boards, and a block in 38 crucial minutes. He shot 4-of-8 from the field and 1-of-3 from beyond the 3-point line with a +/- of +18.

Lee got the job done on both ends of the floor and showed maturity, poise, and leadership in the way he embraced his new role.

Lee facilitated the offense and controlled the pace of the game with his uncanny ability to find himself in the right spots on both ends of the floor. He answered the call when Ron Baker found himself in foul trouble and didn’t let his emotions get the best of him.

With seven assists and no turnovers, Lee provided the efficient two-way performance that New York needed to balance out its scoring.