New York Knicks: Who stepped up against the Boston Celtics on Dec. 21?

Ron Baker

Ron Baker is essentially the guard version of fellow New York Knicks glue guy Lance Thomas. He’s positionally fluid, defensively committed, and offensively quiet—until a big shot or long offensive rebound is desperately needed.

Against the Boston Celtics, it was Baker who played alongside Frank Ntilikina and held the opposition’s revered perimeter in check during the fourth quarter.

Baker posted little statistically, amassing no points in 21 minutes of action. His contributions were perfectly timed, however, as he put up two rebounds, two assists, one offensive board, and a steal while committing just one turnover.

Baker ultimately posted a +/- of +7, due in large part to his outstanding on-ball defense that continued to justify the Thomas comparison.

Baker assisted Doug McDermott’s clutch three with 2:19 remaining in the fourth quarter, but the key to his performance was defense. He helped set the tone in the fourth quarter, when New York limited Kyrie Irving to a brief outburst and outscored the Celtics 34-25.

Baker rarely stuffs the stat sheet, but the Knicks simply play better when he’s on the floor—a truth that’s been proven since he arrived last season.