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

Apr 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) talks with Knicks guard Ron Baker (31) during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) talks with Knicks guard Ron Baker (31) during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (91) grabs a loose ball in front of Chicago Bulls guard Michael Carter-Williams (7) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (91) grabs a loose ball in front of Chicago Bulls guard Michael Carter-Williams (7) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Mindaugas Kuzminskas

When the New York Knicks signed Mindaugas Kuzminskas, few knew what to expect. Multiple teams attempted to acquire Kuzminskas’ services, but New York won in one of Phil Jackson’s rare examples of acing a free agent signing.

Against the Chicago Bulls, Kuzminskas continued to remind fans of what it is that makes him such an intriguing player for the Knicks’ long-term future.

Kuz received 19 minutes of playing time against the rival Bulls, and he played quite well on offense. He put up 11 points, two assists, and a steal on 5-of-7 shooting from the field, as well as 1-of-3 shooting from 3-point range.

Kuzminskas scored four of his points during the fourth quarter, thus continuing his ascension up the ranks of New York’s best late-game players.

Kuzminskas, who’s signed through the 2017-18 season, has a chance to be a long-term asset for the Knicks. He’s received erratic playing time, but when his number has been called, the rookie forward has stepped up.

Following his performance against the Bulls, it’s fair to assume that Kuzminskas will be back on the court with a significant role during the final five games of the season.