New York Knicks: Who stepped up in win against Grizzlies?
Enes Kanter
Stat Line: 21 points, 26 rebounds, 3 assists, 9-for-16 shooting, 3-for-6 on free throws
From starter to leading the second unit, Kanter was behind Mitchell Robinson on the depth chart for three weeks. Once the rookie center faced consistent foul trouble and often went to the bench, Fizdale ended the experiment and gave the veteran the start.
Will it last forever? Maybe not, but Kanter, on Sunday night, went for his third straight double-double in the starting lineup and his second 20-20 game of the season.
Most of Kanter’s points came in the third quarter, when the New York Knicks surged ahead of the Grizzlies. The rebounds, however, was a career-high, despite topping 20 multiple times in his seven-year career.
Fizdale worked Kanter for 40 minutes, as well, which tied his season-high. The other time he played this long, another 20-20 game followed.
That’s 13 double-doubles for Kanter in 2018-19. His defensive numbers might say otherwise for two-way impact, but the Turkish big man controls the boards and knows his way around the paint for inside-the-paint baskets.
Like Mudiay, Kanter should continue to receive a run in the starting lineup, even if the future isn’t guaranteed. Robinson will linger in the backup role, but, until he controls the foul trouble, New York may stick with a veteran to lead the frontcourt.
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The New York Knicks return to the court on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 7:00 p.m. ET against the Detroit Pistons. Who will step up this time?