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New York Knicks: Who Stepped Up Against The Miami Heat?

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 31, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (left) talks with Knicks center Kyle O'Quinn (right) during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (left) talks with Knicks center Kyle O'Quinn (right) during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 17, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; World Team center Willy Hernangomez of the New York Knicks (14) and U.S. Team forward Marquese Chriss of the Phoenix Suns (0) before the Rising Stars Challenge at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 17, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; World Team center Willy Hernangomez of the New York Knicks (14) and U.S. Team forward Marquese Chriss of the Phoenix Suns (0) before the Rising Stars Challenge at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Willy Hernangomez

The New York Knicks have been able to rely on Willy Hernangomez for consistent production since he replaced Joakim Noah in the starting lineup. The rookie big man is becoming a double-double machine who’s capable of posting 10 and 10 with even the slightest uptick in playing time.

Matched up against one of the most physically dominant centers in the NBA, Hernangomez made a positive impact on the outcome of the game.

Hernangomez shot just 3-of-9 from the field, but he stepped up with another strong showing. He tallied 10 points, 12 rebounds, three offensive boards, and two assists in 29 strong minutes of action against Hassan Whiteside and the Heat.

Hernangomez had a positive +/- of +4 and helped limit Whiteside to just nine field goal attempts in 34 minutes of court time.

Hernangomez’s energy is infectious and reliable, which is reason enough to value his presence. In a season during which the veterans have failed to give 100 percent on a nightly basis, Hernangomez routinely steps up with a respectable level of effort and tenacity.

Hernangomez still has work to do on both ends of the floor, but in a brutal matchup against Whiteside, he held his own and helped New York get the win.

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