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New York Knicks: Who stepped up against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 13?

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks exchange words in the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks exchange words in the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 13: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks goes for a lay up against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 13, 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 – NOVEMBER 13: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks goes for a lay up against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 13, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Tim Hardaway Jr.

For the second consecutive meeting, Tim Hardaway Jr. took the challenge of defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers to heart. He stepped up with an outstanding two-way performance, providing versatile contributions, including strong defense and timely shooting.

New York Knicks fans have been pondering Hardaway’s niche, but it’s beginning to look like stepping up in big games will be his forte.

Hardaway was brilliant against Cleveland, posting 28 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block in 32 efficient minutes. He shot 10-of-20 from the field, went 4-of-11 from beyond the three-point line, and converted all four of his free throws.

Hardaway did what he could to stave off the Cavaliers’ run by scoring eight points in the fourth quarter, and ultimately finished with a +/- of +5.

It’s worth noting that Hardaway has proven to be a reliable source of offense when Porzingis is struggling. He’s now scored at least 26 points in two of the past three games: The Porzingis-less effort against the Orlando Magic, and the clash with Cleveland.

If Hardaway can find that same rhythm when Porzingis is hot, the Knicks will be tough to defeat during the 2017-18 regular season.

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