New York Knicks: Who Stepped Up Against The Brooklyn Nets?

Willy Hernangomez

If Jeff Hornacek is handing out a game ball for the win over the Brooklyn Nets, then it should go to Willy Hernangomez. In the face of adversity, the rookie big man stepped up with an outstanding performance against the New York Knicks’ cross-borough rivals.

Hernangomez took over with plays that both galvanized the Knicks fans in attendance and legitimized the team’s comeback effort.

Hernangomez finished with 16 points, 16 rebounds, seven offensive rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block in 25 minutes of action. He shot 7-of-12 from the field and 2-of-4 from the free throw line in yet another sensational showing.

In a five-point win, Hernangomez finished with a +/- of +9 and made a number of crucial plays down the stretch.

Hernangomez’s statistics are impressive, but they don’t do his performance against Brooklyn justice. He made gorgeous passes to create scoring opportunities and made a number of clutch shots, including a tip-in off of an unorthodox alley-oop attempt from Kristaps Porzingis.

As the Knicks attempt to construct the perfect rotations, Hernangomez is making a compelling case for a spot in the starting lineup.