New York Knicks: Who stepped up in streak-snapping win against Celtics?

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 21: Trey Burke #23 shoots against Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics during a game at TD Garden on November 21, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 21: Trey Burke #23 shoots against Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics during a game at TD Garden on November 21, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks Mitchell Robinson, Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
New York Knicks Mitchell Robinson, Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

Knicks rookies

Kevin Knox11 points, 9 rebounds, 3-for-5 shooting, 2-for-2 on three-pointers
Allonzo Trier8 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 3-for-4 shooting, 1-for-2 on three-pointers
Mitchell Robinson8 points, 4 rebounds, 6 blocks, 4-for-4 shooting

Instead of just one, it’s worth spotlighting all three New York Knicks rookies. They were contributors towards this stunning win, whether on offense or defense.

Kevin Knox quietly missed the first double-double of his NBA career. Head coach David Fizdale gave him 25 minutes to work with, resulting in multiple three-pointers and two trips to the foul line, which he’s found with ease to open the season.

This was Knox’s second consecutive game outside the starting lineup, but he played more than the small forward, Mario Hezonja, who drifted out after 13 minutes.

Allonzo Trier’s hype has simmered over the past two weeks. Since the 16-point game against the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 7, he has 9.0 points on 40 percent shooting. With 36.4 percent from behind the arc, it’s not all silent, and he provides other statistics, but the scoring has quieted.

Wednesday’s game didn’t mark a breakout, but he delivered eight points on 3-for-4 shooting and made an outside shot in 15 minutes. So, it was an efficient night to keep fresh.

Mitchell Robinson rounds out the rookies. His eight points and four rebounds were impactful, but the defensive work brings the Knicks to another level. That happened with eight blocks and the consistent alteration of shots, even if he didn’t get a hand on then.

Robinson picked up four fouls in 16 minutes. The frequency is an early concern, as it has been persistent in his month-long NBA run. But, with experience, he should find more control to take another step as a defender.