New York Knicks: Who stepped up against New Orleans Pelicans on Dec. 30?

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 30: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 30, 2017 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 30: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 30, 2017 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 30: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 30, 2017 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 30: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 30, 2017 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)

The New York Knicks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans in one of the most dramatic games of the 2017-18 NBA regular season. Who stepped up?


The New York Knicks entered Saturday, Dec. 30 with their backs against the wall. Heading into the clash with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Knicks were 17-18 overall, 2-12 on the road, and in the midst of a four-game losing streak.

In one of the most dramatic games of the 2017-18 NBA regular season thus far, the Knicks emerged victorious to improve to an even .500 entering 2018.

New York entered halftime with a 56-45 lead, but foul trouble instantly became its achilles heel. Both Kyle O’Quinn and Kristaps Porzingis were sent to the bench as DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis put forth a mutually brilliant display.

Despite Cousins and Davis combining for 60 points and 28 rebounds, however, the Knicks managed to fight until the end and address their road woes.

New York trailed 99-91 with just 2:46 remaining in the fourth quarter, but fought back with a balanced attack and a firm commitment to defense. It was a team effort that came at the perfect time, as the Knicks entered the new year on the ultimate high note.

The question is: Who stepped up to lead the New York Knicks to the 105-103 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans that may swing the momentum of the season?