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

By Maxwell Ogden

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 center Marshall Plumlee (40) shoots against Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks center Marshall Plumlee (40) shoots against Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Marshall Plumlee

The New York Knicks were down three big men against the Boston Celtics. Starting power forward Kristaps Porzingis was nursing a sore achilles tendon, starting center Joakim Noah had an ankle injury, and Lance Thomas is suffering from an orbital fracture.

With the Knicks running thin down low, Marshall Plumlee was given a rare opportunity to play big minutes and showcase his abilities.

Plumlee received double-digit minutes for just the second time during the 2016-17 NBA regular season. He played a career-high 20 minutes and recorded five points, seven rebounds, three offensive boards, three assists, and two blocks.

Plumlee also shot 2-of-2 from the field and 1-of-3 from the free throw line while recording a +/- of +11.

Whenever Plumlee takes the court, he provides energy and toughness that can’t be fairly measured by statistics. He fouls hard, sends a message to players driving the lane, chases down loose balls, and boxes out for rebounds.

It’s a testament to Plumlee’s character that he stepped up with a big performance despite having not played a single minute of NBA action since Dec. 15.

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