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New York Knicks: Keys to defeating the New Orleans Pelicans on Dec. 30

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 15: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks defends the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the game on November 15, 2015 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 15: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks defends the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the game on November 15, 2015 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 16: Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 16, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 16: Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 16, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Player To Watch: Courtney Lee

With Tim Hardaway Jr. sidelined by a lower leg injury, Courtney Lee will again face elevated levels of pressure on offense. He’s being asked to replace the Knicks’ No. 2 scoring option, which would be no easy feat for any player with any level of experience.

Lee has played well over the course of the past three games, but it’s against the New Orleans Pelicans that his contributions must be emphasized.

When Lee is actively looking for his shot, he can break opposing defenses down with his handle and agility. When the Knicks need a bucket, long rebound, or defensive stop that no one else on the roster is in a position to provide, it’s often Lee who steps up.

In 2017-18, Lee has elevated his game to the point of having a career-year at the age of 32—a testament to his work ethic and Jeff Hornacek’s system.

Lee is currently averaging 13.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.7 three-point field goals made per game. Every one of those numbers would set a new career-high, yet he’s found a way to maintain his efficiency with a slash line of .462/.430/.955.

If the Knicks are going to have even the slightest chance of upsetting the Pelicans on the road, then Lee will need to carry his weight as a scorer, defender, and playmaker.

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