The New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks for the second time in 2018-19. Who stepped up in the win?
After consecutive losses to the Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls on back-to-back nights, the New York Knicks returned, with a day off, to defeat the Atlanta Hawks, 112-107. Six players finished with double-digit points to lead the way.
This brought the Knicks to their fourth win of the season. Two of them came against the Hawks, which might not indicate much, but it pushed them out of the Eastern Conference cellar.
As always, players stepped up in the victory, some of whom were the usual faces of the previous 11 games. Who did this include?
Who stepped up, and more, from New York’s road win before traveling home for another back-to-back:
Noah Vonleh
Stat Line: 11 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 4-for-10 shooting, 2-for-5 on three-pointers
For a quarter, it seemed Noah Vonleh was en route to a monster game. He had 11 points and 7 rebounds after the first quarter, seemingly guaranteeing a double-double, given the heavy minutes head coach David Fizdale usually provides.
After 38 minutes, Vonleh stayed on 11 points but added an extra 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.
The totals had a chance to soar, but Fizdale kept Vonleh on the bench for an extended period from the last few minutes of the first quarter to midway through the second. Even New York Knicks analyst, Walt “Clyde” Frazier,” questioned this on the broadcast.
Either way, Vonleh was still effective in New York’s winning efforts and remains their starting power forward moving forward. Few others are available to back him up, unless Kevin Knox slides into a stretch four role upon return to 20-plus minutes.
Lance Thomas may no longer pose a threat. He didn’t play Wednesday due to injury, but otherwise acts as a one-dimensional player defensively when the Knicks already struggle to find offense.