Daily Knicks
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6 Biggest Knicks surprises of 2022-23 regular season

By James Ryder

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 05: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks high-fives Julius Randle #30 during overtime against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden on March 05, 2023 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 05: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks high-fives Julius Randle #30 during overtime against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden on March 05, 2023 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Immanuel Quickley
Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks. (Photo by Troy Wayrynen/USA TODAY Sports) /

Immanuel Quickley’s Ascension

If I had to sum up Immanuel Quickley’s third season in just one sentence it would be this: It took him just one game to go from being a longshot to win Sixth Man of the Year, according to sportsbooks, to the favorite. Long before March, Knicks fans were well aware of the great season Quickley was in the midst of having. And now, the rest of the league has been forced to catch up so much so that it could mean Quickley is handsomely rewarded for it.

Today, Quickley is the betting favorite on many betting sites to win the NBA’s 6MOTY Award, and it’s easy to see why based on his production. Before March, IQ was averaging 12.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game while playing 27.8 minutes. He also shot 44.2% from the field and 35.8% from three on five attempts per game.

The reason why March is so notable, and the story of how IQ has catapulted into the 6MOTY race, is because of how great he played when starting for the Knicks in place of an injured Jalen Brunson. In five games as the starter from March 5th to March 14th, Quickley averaged 23.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 4.4 AGP with an incredible 47.7/39/86.4 shooting slash line. Just as impressive has been his season-long excellence on defense.

Quickley has been phenomenal in every facet of the game this year for New York and has managed to even take a big step up when called up to do so. Even if he doesn’t win 6MOTY, there is no doubt that IQ’s value has risen this year even beyond being just an elite bench player. Consistency was always what most plagued IQ’s game, but that now seems to be an issue of the past.

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