New York Knicks: Who stepped up against the Denver Nuggets?

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 30: Kyle O'Quinn #9 of the New York Knicks and Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets battle for the ball in the second quarter during their game at Madison Square Garden on October 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 30: Kyle O'Quinn #9 of the New York Knicks and Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets battle for the ball in the second quarter during their game at Madison Square Garden on October 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 30: Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Denver Nuggets on October 30, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 30: Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Denver Nuggets on October 30, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Courtney Lee

The New York Knicks have turned to Courtney Lee as the veteran leader both on the court and in the locker room. Once again, Lee did his job as a three-point shooter, vocal defender, and clutch performer with his two-way play.

The franchise player may be who gets the ball with the game on the line, but Lee continues to prove capable of hitting the big shots down the stretch.

Lee picked up 12 points, four assists, two rebounds, and a steal during his 35 minutes on the court. He shot 4-of-8 from the field, 2-of-4 from beyond the three-point line, and buried both of his free throw attempts.

Those free throws were a continuation of Lee’s clutch heroics, as they extended the Knicks’ lead to six with just 2:05 remaining in the fourth quarter.

On both ends of the floor, Lee found ways to keep the Knicks on track. When a whistle was blown, he was the first player to make his voice heard, giving direction to the younger players who have the talent to execute, but may lack the perspective this early in their respective careers.

Lee has been called upon to lead a young team with postseason potential, and through six games, he’s been a bright spot for the Knicks.