Alec Burks has become the New York Knicks’ unheralded clutch player

Maybe he’s not the hero the New York Knicks deserve, but he’s the one they need. Alec Burks has quietly assumed a closer role with the New York Knicks.

It may seem like business as usual for Alec Burks, who continues to come off of the bench and be a steady, veteran presence who takes over some secondary scoring and ball-handling responsibilities.

Burks had a similar role last season and New York decided to bring him back on a 3-year, 30 million dollar deal. He hasn’t disappointed.

It feels like everyone knows that Alec Burks has been a good player but he doesn’t always get the love that he deserves. A closer look at his numbers may begin to shine some light and just how good he’s been.

New York Knicks: Alec Burks’ clutch numbers

On the surface, his per-game numbers show what you’d want to see from a sharpshooting role player.

Just over 21 minutes per game while shooting 42.1% from the field, 43.4% from three, and 80% from the free throw line.

Burks’ job in New York has mostly been as a wing player who comes off the bench to play a secondary ball-handling role with either Derrick Rose or Immanuel Quickley in the point guard spot. Although, Burks will take over some playmaking from time to time.

In a season of inconsistent offense that is prone to long stretches of stagnant play, it always feels like Alec Burks is the one who can get the team going with a big shot.

He has been lights-out in clutch situations. On the season, Alec Burks is shooting 48.7% from 3 in the 4th quarter. He is shooting 44.7% from 3 when the game is within 5 points.

Those are absurd shooting numbers in those types of situations.

Those are shooting numbers from a role player that will end up deciding close games for the New York Knicks and it’s time to start recognizing just how vital his shooting has been.

A lot of the same scoring responsibilities that were expected of players such as Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier have been filled by Alec Burks when those two are having off nights. He can take on the heavy minutes and fill that purpose.

Burks has been a role player for a long time now and his success isn’t always going to get the fanbase as excited as young players like Immanuel Quickley or big-named guys like Derrick Rose.

This really isn’t anything new. Remember Game 1 against the Atlanta Hawks in the playoffs last season? The one where NY lost on Trae Young’s floater?

The only reason New York was even in that game was because of Burks’ clutch shooting. He took over that game. He had 27 points and 4 assists and kept them afloat in the 4th quarter.

We incessantly focus on the scoring production of the team’s starters and young players, but having someone like Alec Burks in your back pocket is not a luxury every team has. He is a key part of the New York Knicks’ depth and continues to be clutch in late-game situations.