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

Jarrett Jack

For the second consecutive game, Jarrett Jack looked the part of a quality starting point guard. The end result was a loss, but when Jack was on the floor, the New York Knicks played at a high enough level to win the game.

That may seem like an exaggeration, but between his individual production and the advanced metrics, there’s a clear display of his value to the team.

Jack played 33 minutes against the Houston Rockets, tallying 10 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and a steal. He shot 5-of-10 from the field, committed just two turnovers, and consistently got the Knicks into strong offensive sets.

In a 15-point loss, Jack managed to accumulate a +/- of +12 and a net rating of 16.5—clear displays of his positive impact on the game.

New York played better on both ends of the floor when Jack was present, which isn’t as much of a surprise as it may seem. His vocal leadership has been crucial to the young players getting to their spots and committing to their assignments, even when he himself may struggle.

Fans often take their frustrations out on the current rotation’s elder statesman, but Jack has been a positive influence during the 2017-18 season—no matter his limitations.