New York Knicks: Who Stepped Up Against The Chicago Bulls?

Willy Hernangomez

Willy Hernangomez is the type of player who keeps plugging away until he’s made a positive impact on the outcome of a game. He’s a relentless competitor who went up against the Knicks’ 2015-16 starter: Robin Lopez.

Matched up against Lopez, Hernangomez continued to prove that he can make similar contributions on both ends of the floor.

Hernangomez posted quality numbers against the Chicago Bulls: eight points, eight rebounds, four offensive rebounds, and three assists in 21 minutes. He shot just 4-of-11 from the field, but this performance was bigger than numbers.

Many were critical of the Knicks’ decision to part ways with Lopez, but in this matchup, Hernangomez proved that he can fill the same role.

Hernangomez played against a physical group of interior players and proved that he doesn’t carry the European stigma. He isn’t afraid of playing a physical brand of basketball, nor is he opposed to competing on the defensive end of the floor.

Hernangomez has more upside than established ability, but his flashes of brilliance have become more common with every passing week.