Noah Vonleh
Stat Line: 16 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, 6-for-9 shooting, 2-for-2 on three-pointers
For the second time this season, Noah Vonleh delivered a double-double in consecutive games. He did this against the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks, which was the New York Knicks’ last win before Wednesday.
At home, against the Portland Trail Blazers, Vonleh had 14 points and a season-high 14 rebounds. He followed that with 16 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks in Boston.
Shooting has been Vonleh’s early-season story, however, as he continues to stay proactive from behind the arc.
The fifth-year forward’s perimeter game saw a jump after February’s midseason trade to the Chicago Bulls, where he took 2.9 three-pointers per game. He never topped 0.6 before this.
While not averaging a trio of outside shots per game, Vonleh has taken a combined seven three-pointers. The Celtics win saw him take two, which will increase his 1.4 attempts average.
Vonleh has taken a three-pointer in all but five games, as well, so it’s not a seasonal anomaly. As long as the Knicks try to find themselves, he should have the green light to continue shooting.
As with the Blazers game, it’s never certain when Vonleh will play in the starting lineup. These past two outings should keep him in the opening frontcourt, especially with Davis and Julius Randle ahead from New Orleans.