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

Enes Kanter

The +/- crowd may point out that Enes Kanter was a -4, but the New York Knicks would have lost this game without him. There’s no hyperbole whatsoever in that statement, as Kanter was the primary reason the Knicks overcame a scoreless first half from Kristaps Porzingis.

Kyle O’Quinn may have taken over the second half, but Kanter paced the Knicks through a first half that made victory possible.

Kanter finished the win over Boston with 14 points, 10 rebounds, five offensive rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in just 23 minutes. He shot 6-of-10 from the field and 2-of-2 from the free throw line in what was a truly vital performance.

Kanter posted 10 points and 10 rebounds in the first half alone, leading the Knicks in both categories as they jumped out to a 44-40 lead.

Kanter’s ability to take over the first half of games is a strength that some continue to undersell. He may not always provide the best contributions in the third and fourth quarters, but he often anchors the offense early to help build a lead or simply limit the extent of the deficit.

New York’s resident double-double machine is still finding his niche in the second half, but his first and second quarter contributions were nothing short of crucial.