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

Sasha Vujacic

Sasha Vujacic may be more of a locker room guy at this stage of his career, but credit is due where credit is due on the court. Against the Miami Heat, Vujacic played an instrumental role in the New York Knicks securing a win in a rivalry game.

On a night without starting point guard Derrick Rose, Vujacic helped remind Knicks fans of the value of a facilitator.

Vujacic played 36 minutes against the Heat, recording nine points, seven assists, three rebounds, one offensive rebound, and a steal. He shot just 4-of-12 from the field and 1-of-5 from 3-point range, but also committed just one turnover.

An assist-to-turnover ratio of 7-to-1 is always helpful, and against the Heat, it was one of the keys to New York putting forth an efficient scoring performance.

New York slowed the game down and played within the system, and Vujacic’s veteran leadership was a primary reason why. One could argue that Chasson Randle should have received more minutes, but it was pleasant to see ball movement for an evening.

If only for one game, Vujacic stepped up with one of the best facilitating performances by a Knicks point guard in 2016-17.

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The win may not have helped the pursuit of an early draft pick, but the New York Knicks have officially won the season series over the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, and Miami Heat.