New York Knicks: Who stepped up against the Houston Rockets?

The shorthanded New York Knicks lost big to the Houston Rockets, but a number of players were given a rare opportunity to establish their long-term value.

The New York Knicks entered the road game against the Houston Rockets with understandably low expectations. Kristaps Porzingis and Enes Kanter were both sidelined by back injuries, thus leaving the Knicks without two starters against an elite opponent.

The Rockets expectedly improved to 15-4, but not without the Knicks continuing to show flashes of how good this team could become.

With Porzingis and Kanter sidelined, the Knicks came out firing. New York secured an unexpected 39-29 lead after the first quarter, and carried a 61-58 lead into halftime before ultimately falling victim to a dominant third quarter by the Rockets.

The Knicks may have fallen short of victory with a shorthanded roster, but there were tangible flashes of potential by players who could alter the rotation.

It’s clearly difficult to look at the positives of a game that was decided by 15 points. Head coach Jeff Hornacek went deep into his rotation against the Rockets, however, and thus explored the specialties of players who may be able to contribute in defined roles.

The question is: Who are the select few members of the New York Knicks who stepped up during the 117-102 loss to the Houston Rockets?