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New York Knicks: Who stepped up in tight game against Blazers?

ByRob Wolkenbrod|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 20: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks attempts a shot against defense from Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter of the game at Madison Square Garden on November 20, 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 20: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks attempts a shot against defense from Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter of the game at Madison Square Garden on November 20, 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
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New York Knicks Noah Vonleh (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
New York Knicks Noah Vonleh (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Noah Vonleh

Stat Line: 14 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 4-for-8 shooting, 2-for-5 on three-pointers, 4-for-8 on free throws

In Fizdale’s latest lineup change, he reinserted Noah Vonleh into the starting lineup for Kevin Knox. For now, it ended a two-game trial run for the rookie forward, who has struggled shooting since returning from injury.

Vonleh responded well to the lineup return, with 14 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, three steals and a block. It marked his fourth double-double of the season — two of which came in wins.

This was also an experimental game for Vonleh from behind the arc. He’s not a frequent three-point shooter, but still attempted at least one shot from distance in 12 of 17 games entering Tuesday.

For the second time this season, however, Vonleh took five attempts, hitting two of them. This might not happen for a while, but he has the green light to shoot, even if inconsistent. (He was 3-for-10 in the past six games.)

Some of this may depend on Vonleh’s stability in the starting lineup. For all anyone knows, Fizdale could make another change for the Celtics game and ahead of Friday’s post-Thanksgiving matchup.

Vonleh played well while starting, with 7.5 points and 7.7 rebounds entering Tuesday. The latest double-double should help his case, but Fizdale’s mixing and matching may impact him on any night; Trey Burke and Damyean Dotson were affected by this in recent games.

On a short turnaround, though, look for Vonleh to stay in the starting lineup for one more outing. If that goes awry, where will he stand after the holiday?

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