New York Knicks: Who stepped up in narrow loss to Pelicans?

Despite a loss, the New York Knicks flashed positive play against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Usually, “Who stepped up?” applies to wins for the New York Knicks. Through 16 games, there have been just four of them, so the positives don’t happen often. Friday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans resulted in a loss, but one the Knicks led for three quarters.

In this developmental season, anything marginally on the bright side can be taken as a “win.” Even though they blew a double-digit lead.

There were players that stepped up along the way, however. Who were the stars of the night?

Tim Hardaway Jr.

Stat Line: 30 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 9-for-23 shooting (4-for-12 on three-pointers)

It was another high-volume night for Tim Hardaway Jr., but he still delivered 30 points for the New York Knicks. Along with four three-pointers, he led the team in points and even patrolled the boards for eight rebounds.

The 9-for-23 mark put Hardaway below 40 percent shooting. Not great for New York’s best scorer without Kristaps Porzingis, but the high attempts are also necessary.

Even with multiple players involved in the 124-point effort, the Knicks still need Hardaway’s efforts each game. He’s one of the few players that creates his own shot and consistently makes three-pointers.

Without him, as seen against the Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls, it was a struggle to find baskets. There’s no other “alpha” to take the reins in his absence.

So, that means more of Hardaway taking contested three-pointers when the Knicks try a comeback. It’s not ideal and sometimes disrupts the offense’s flow, but who else is capable of 30-plus points on this roster at this stage of their development?

With a loaded schedule ahead, Hardaway will continue to factor as the main offensive threat, teetering between bright spots and nights like Friday.