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

Kyle O’Quinn

After Enes Kanter took over the first half of the win over the Boston Celtics, Kyle O’Quinn put the finishing touches on the win in the third and fourth quarter. He helped anchor an elite defensive effort, and provided timely contributions under pressure on offense.

There are no shortage of reasons to be a fan of O’Quinn, and he put them all on display during the victory over the 26-9 Celtics.

O’Quinn played 24 minutes, putting up eight points, seven rebounds, two assists, and a steal. He shot just 2-of-4 from the field and 4-of-6 from the free throw line, but the former Norfolk State star made big shots when they were needed most.

O’Quinn scored five of his eight points in the fourth quarter, including a pair of clutch free throws during Boston’s early run that could have changed the outcome.

Defensively, O’Quinn helped deter the Celtics from attempting to drive the lane. Turning Boston into a jump shooting team may play to their strengths from a statistical perspective, but cutting off driving lanes during clutch situations is exactly what a defense needs to do.

O’Quinn is a leader in the locker room, an endless source of energy on the court, and a fan favorite who will be remembered fondly by Knicks fans for years to come.

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Against all odds, the New York Knicks have improved to 17-14 with a stunning upset of the Boston Celtics.