Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: Who stepped up on opening night against the Hawks?

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 17: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks and Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks pursue th eloose ball at Madison Square Garden on October 17, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 17: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks and Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks pursue th eloose ball at Madison Square Garden on October 17, 2018 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 17: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the game on October 17, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 17: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the game on October 17, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Enes Kanter

Enes Kanter dropped quiet double-doubles in his three preseason games, including a 20-20 night that was pushed to the background, due to Allonzo Trier’s emergence. It was a similar case Wednesday night.

In 27 minutes, Kanter secured 16 points, 11 rebounds and three assists on 5-for-9 shooting and seven free throw attempts. An efficient night for him which provided an extra thump for the New York Knicks.

Kanter’s defensive work was even notable, with one block and work on the Hawks’ Alex Len and Miles Plumlee. Neither had much on the Turkish center, who looked effective as a two-way player for one night.

The Knicks don’t have to rely on just Kanter, as well, in the frontcourt, due to the emergence of Noah Vonleh and Mitchell Robinson, if he can get healthy from a sprained ankle that was potentially aggravated against Atlanta. Both players are helpful without Kristaps Porzingis and even add depth behind Lance Thomas, who played 16 minutes.

Kanter has an intriguing matchup against Jarrett Allen and the Brooklyn Nets Friday night. It’s a bigger challenge, but after four impressive performances this month, it should be another double-double night.

Home/Knicks News