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

By Maxwell Ogden

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: Kyle O’Quinn #9 of the New York Knicks reacts in the second half against the Denver Nuggets 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 reacts in the second half against the Denver Nuggets during their game at Madison Square Garden on October 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Kyle O’Quinn

The New York Knicks have consistently asked Kyle O’Quinn to provide energy on both ends of the floor. It’s a polarizing personnel decision due to what it means for Willy Hernangomez, but it proved to be the right decision against the Denver Nuggets.

For those who missed the 116-110 Knicks victory, allow Nuggets head coach Mike Malone to summarize what transpired.

Indeed he did.

O’Quinn was a force to be reckoned with, recording 15 points, 12 rebounds, five offensive boards, one assist, and five blocks in just 21 minutes of play. He not only made three of his four field goal attempts, but went 9-of-10 at the free throw line.

The borderline elite duo of Paul Millsap and Nikola Jokic had no answer for O’Quinn, who used his sheer strength and physicality to dominate the game in just 21 minutes.

O’Quinn finished with a +/- of +14 and the respect of one of the better coaches in the NBA. He dominated on both ends of the floor, and proved once again why he’s one of head coach Jeff Hornacek’s most trusted players.

Knicks fans may want to see either Hernangomez or Enes Kanter in late-game situations, but O’Quinn continues to get the job done for New York.

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