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

Kyle O’Quinn

Whether or not Kyle O’Quinn is producing big numbers, he tends to make a positive impact on the outcome of games. That much is proven by the fact that New York has a team-best net rating of +8.3 with O’Quinn on the floor, and a team-worst net rating of -8.6 without him through four games.

O’Quinn had a somewhat pedestrian performance in the first half, but his rim protection and passing ability proved to be difference-makers in this tremendous team win.

O’Quinn was on the court for just 15 minutes, yet he managed to accumulate a +/- of +9. During his time on the court, he tallied four points, four assists, two rebounds, and three blocks in the epitome of a well-rounded performance.

Not only was O’Quinn providing the Knicks with well-rounded production, but he was bringing Madison Square Garden to its feet in the process.

O’Quinn breathed life into MSG with his brutal block on Mike James, and sent the crowd into a frenzy with his volleyball swat on Tyler Ulis. He also created for his teammates on offense, which played an equally as important role in combatting Phoenix’s runs.

O’Quinn may not always post the gaudy statistics that he’s capable of producing, but his positive impact has become an expectation.