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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/78ce2b5ebc91436c8b4cf5c71c2c6b420ca4aa479eee72337e9e013c203b47b1.jpg)
Kyle O’Quinn
When Kyle O’Quinn is on the court, the New York Knicks receive what’s essentially controlled chaos. He plays with an endearing combination of unfiltered passion for the game and unapologetic physicality, thus returning Knicks fan to the 1990s.
Against the New Orleans Pelicans, O’Quinn filled his role to perfection until foul trouble inevitably took him off the court.
KOQ smash 💪 pic.twitter.com/xyy8HfXxER
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 31, 2017
O’Quinn played just 15 minutes against New Orleans, but he held his own against DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis. He posted eight points, four rebounds, two assists, and a pair of blocks on 3-of-3 shooting from the field and 2-of-2 shooting from the charity stripe.
O’Quinn accumulated a plus-minus of plus-5 during that time, which accurately reflects his immense value to New York’s win.
It’s worth noting that the Knicks had an offensive rating of 112.2 and a defensive rating of 96.4 with O’Quinn on the floor. That team-best net rating of +15.8 accurately reflects the fact that he contributed to the win on both ends of the floor.
A phenomenal passer, tremendous rebounder, efficient scorer, and committed defender, O’Quinn continues to be the glue to New York’s second unit.