New York Knicks: Who stepped up during 120-107 win over Phoenix Suns?

Enes Kanter

Enes Kanter has become the resident double-double machine for the New York Knicks. He’s dominating the low block with his physical scoring style, and controlling the boards on both ends of the floor with his fundamentally sound boxouts and raw tenacity.

Kanter continued his productive ways against the Phoenix Suns, recording yet another double-double and addressing his primary flaw: Passing out of the post.

Kanter was an overwhelming force, recording 16 points and 15 rebounds during his 32 minutes of court time. He pulled down six offensive boards, dished out three assists, blocked a shot, and converted better than 50 percent of his field goal attempts.

The Suns collapsed the defense on Kanter in the second half, but he still managed to shoot 7-of-12 from the field and 2-of-2 from the free throw line in a truly splendid performance.

Kanter took a shot under the chin during the physical game with Phoenix, but was able to continue playing. That toughness helped set the tone for a Knicks team that endured a great deal of basketball brutality against the Suns.

If Kanter continues to pass and defend as well as he did against Phoenix—and both are still works in progress—then his playing time should continue to improve.