New York Knicks: Who stepped up during 118-91 win over Sacramento Kings?

Enes Kanter

No player was more influential during the second half than New York Knicks center Enes Kanter. He dominated the boards from start to finish, and took over the third quarter as a scorer with his remarkably dynamic finishes.

Matched up against a Sacramento Kings team with a balanced compilation of interior talent, Kanter provided the power element New York needed.

Kanter tormented the Kings to the tune of 17 points, 13 rebounds, three offensive boards, one assist, and a steal in just 26 minutes of action. He shot 8-of-13 from the field, converted an and-one, and continued to play with energy on defense.

Kanter was averaging a double-double entering the clash with Sacramento, and his numbers only improved with yet another dominant display down low.

Some have questioned whether or not the Knicks can play Kanter more than his current average of 25.0 minutes per game. The win over Sacramento may not have answered that question, but it was a sign that he’s more than a player posting empty numbers.

With a +/- of +19, Kanter temporarily silenced the talk about his net rating by taking over in the third quarter and putting Sacramento away.