New York Knicks: Who stepped up during the home opener?

Kyle O’Quinn

Some New York Knicks fans are rationally upset with the fact that Willy Hernangomez has been riding the pine. Against the Detroit Pistons, however, Jeff Hornacek’s decision to make Kyle O’Quinn the first big off the bench was justified.

O’Quinn was a man possessed in the first half, crashing the boards and attacking as a scorer with both efficiency and poise.

O’Quinn finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three offensive rebounds, and a steal in just 24 minutes of action. He shot 6-of-7 from the field, 3-of-3 from the free throw line, and had a +/- of +5 in the four-point loss.

Beyond the numbers, O’Quinn provided invaluable energy on both ends of the floor, as well as the passing ability that attempted to stabilize the offense.

For a team that shot 8-of-30 from beyond the arc, O’Quinn did remarkable work around the basket. He pounded the post, worked the boards, and even showed enough confidence to step out and defend the perimeter when need be.

Many fans want Willy Hernangomez to be the first big man off the bench, but O’Quinn is making it difficult to give him fewer minutes.