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New York Knicks: Who stepped up in overtime win against Hornets?

ByRob Wolkenbrod|
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 14: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on December 14, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 14: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on December 14, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
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New York Knicks Kevin Knox (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

Kevin Knox

Stat Line: 20 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 7-for-15 shooting, 3-for-6 on three-point shooting

After an early rookie wall, Kevin Knox has emerged for the New York Knicks. He went from starter in the preseason to reserve, an ankle injury, flipping between the bench and starting lineup and finally returned to the main five over the past two games.

The result? Back-to-back games of 7-for-15 shooting for 19 and 20 points, respectively, the latter of which was achieved in Friday’s win.

Knox delivered most of this in the first half, as he led the Knicks through their rough patch when few others were scoring the basketball effectively. That kept it from being a runaway for the Hornets, despite the rookie taking a backseat in the final 24 minutes.

Knox also played a team-high 42 minutes. Head coach David Fizdale has provided heavy minutes for the Kentucky product, with three straight games of at least 32 minutes and two of them above 40. It’s a heavy dosage for a 19-year-old, but with an injury-depleted roster and few other viable scoring options, this turned him into a relied part of the rotation.

Evidenced by this, the recent promotion to the starting lineup. Knox will not leave the lineup anytime soon, with games like this, and Mario Hezonja struggling behind him. The Knicks have something special here.

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