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

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Apr 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Courtney Lee (5) drives to the basket past Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez (8) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Courtney Lee

Courtney Lee has been playing at a quietly high level in 2016-17. He’s averaging 12.0 points and 3.0 assists on 45.2 percent shooting from the field since the All-Star Break, as well as 13.4 points on a slash line of .462/.417/1.000 over the past five outings.

Those may not be star-caliber numbers, but they’re strong and consistent—all one could reasonably ask of a starting shooting guard in the modern NBA.

Lee continued his recent success by recording 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists in 33 minutes against the Chicago Bulls. He shot 6-of-12 from the field and 2-of-2 from the free throw line in yet another strong performance.

Lee added a +/- of +5 in a game that tested his defensive capabilities with a matchup against three-time All-Star and three-time All-Defensive Team honoree Jimmy Butler.

Lee’s ability to produce as a scorer and facilitator has been the catalyst to New York’s recent success. He’s also stepped up on the defensive end of the floor, which has helped the Knicks step up in that regard in recent games.

The question is: can Lee maintain this momentum throughout the remainder of the 2016-17 season and carry it over into 2017-18?

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