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

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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Mar 31, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks guard Courtney Lee (5) drives to the basket against Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks guard Courtney Lee (5) drives to the basket against Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Courtney Lee

It’s only the first season of a four-year deal, but the New York Knicks appear to have made a smart decision to sign Courtney Lee. When surrounded by featured players who commit to defense, he’s performed at a high level on both ends of the floor.

Against the Miami Heat, Lee stepped up to close out the victory and had one of his better performances in the orange and blue.

Lee picked up 20 points, four rebounds, one assist, and three steals in 35 high-level minutes of action against the Heat. He shot 6-of-15 from the field, 2-of-4 from 3-point range, and 6-of-6 at the charity stripe.

With a positive +/- of +4 in a four-point win, which includes the four points that he scored during the final 2:20 of the fourth quarter.

With his two 3-point field goals made against Miami, Lee eclipsed 100 converted for the first time in his nine-year career. That’s especially impressive when one considers the fact that he’s shooting 40.7 percent from beyond the arc in 2016-17.

Coupled with his defensive capabilities and underrated ability to create off the bounce, Lee is looking like a wise investment for the Knicks.