New York Knicks: Who Stepped Up Against The Phoenix Suns?
Jeff Hornacek faced his former team on Tuesday, December 13 when the New York Knicks battled the Phoenix Suns. Who stepped up against Phoenix?
Dec 13, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; (From left) New York Knicks center Joakim Noah holds back forward Kristaps Porzingis as guard Brandon Jennings pushes Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler as guard Devin Booker comes in during a third quarter fight at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Knicks had a chance to complete the process of exorcising past demons on Tuesday, December 13. Much as Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah endured the experience of returning to play the Chicago Bulls, head coach Jeff Hornacek did the same against the Phoenix Suns.
With a chance to win a fifth consecutive road game, the Knicks traveled to Phoenix and posted a defensive dud in a 113-111 loss.
The Knicks and Suns entered this game operating on opposing trajectories at 14-10 and 7-17. New York has been benefiting from the arrival of Hornacek and Phoenix has been suffering from his departure.
The clash on Tuesday, December 13 was a chance for both the Knicks and the Suns to bury the past and move on to the future, but only Phoenix seized the opportunity.
Hornacek trusted his reserves and benefited, but re-inserting the starters into the fourth quarter lineup proved costly. New York’s defensive woes continued and its hot shooting subsided, thus resulting in a brutal 11th loss.
Though there were a number of players who failed to come through, it’d be unfair to not honor those who stepped up.
Dec 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard Justin Holiday (8) warms up before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Holiday
The New York Knicks turned to Courtney Lee to pace them through a game where most players failed to show up. He was the savior during the first three quarters and was one of the few reasons New York remained within striking distance.
During the fourth quarter, it was Justin Holiday who stepped up at shooting guard to help the Knicks mount a comeback and force overtime.
Holiday played 25 vital minutes against the Suns, recording eight points, three assists, and a rebound. He shot 3-of-8 from the field, 0-of-2 from beyond the arc, and 2-of-2 from the charity stripe, but it was bigger than the numbers.
Holiday provided valuable energy on defense on a night where the Knicks came out with a lackadaisical effort on that end of the floor.
On the offensive end, Holiday continued to prove that he can make plays in big moments. He scored all eight of his points in the fourth quarter and had two assists in the final period of regulation, as well.
The Knicks may have lost this game, but Holiday helped reaffirm the belief that the second unit can be a strength for New York.
Dec 13, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives to the basket against New York Knicks guard Courtney Lee (5) in the first quarter at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Courtney Lee
If you’re looking for elite production from the shooting guard position, then Courtney Lee may not be your guy. The New York Knicks acquired him to play a specific role, and that role includes bailing the offense out when it goes cold.
With the Knicks’ offense going cold for an extended period of time, it was Lee who stepped up to help stabilize the effort and provide an efficient scoring punch.
Lee recorded 14 points, two rebounds, one offensive board, two assists, two steals, and a number of clutch shots that saved New York from itself. He shot 6-of-8 from the field, went 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, and was one of the few Knicks who wasn’t afraid to shoot.
On a night where New York’s confidence was shaken and its toughness was tested, it was Lee who stepped up when he was needed most.
Though he excels in said areas, Lee has been mislabeled as a 3-and-D player. He’s capable of attacking off the bounce, creating space, and getting out in transition to lead the offense as both a scorer and facilitator.
The Knicks needed every one of those skills against the Phoenix Suns and Lee came through with a performance that helped New York remain competitive.
Dec 13, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Alan Williams (left) commits flagrant foul against New York Knicks center Kyle O’Quinn in the fourth quarter at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Knicks 113-111 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Kyle O’Quinn
December has been the month of Kyle O’Quinn. After struggling to make his mark during the 2015-16 season—and the months of October an November in 2016-17—O’Quinn has been playing the best basketball of his NBA career in December.
Against the Phoenix Suns, O’Quinn continued to show why Phil Jackson invested a four-year contract into his services.
O’Quinn finished with another incredible stat line. He recorded 22 points, 14 rebounds, five offensive rebounds, two assists, and one steal on 9-of-16 shooting from the field and 4-of-6 shooting from the charity stripe.
Most importantly, O’Quinn dominated for the Knicks during the third and fourth quarters—when New York needed him most.
O’Quinn scored seven of his 13 points in the third and fourth quarters alone. He worked his way inside, fought through contact, and legitimately dominated the boards as the Knicks mounted a thrilling comeback.
If O’Quinn is going to play with this type of intensity for the rest of his career, then Jackson is a genius for his contract.
Dec 13, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis shoots the ball in the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Knicks 113-111 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Kristaps Porzingis
The Phoenix Suns pulled no punches with New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis was fouled hard, thrown to the ground, and attacked defensively, but he refused to back down from this challenge.
With both Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose going ice cold, Porzingis stepped up with another stellar performance in the face of adversity.
Porzingis overcame the Suns’ physicality to record 34 points, eight rebounds, one offensive board, three blocks, and three steals in 42 minutes. He shot 12-of-23 from the field, 4-of-4 from beyond the arc, and 6-of-7 from the free throw line.
Porzingis even defended himself and displayed his toughness and resilience when he was thrown to the ground in what was a clearly dirty play.
.@kporzee has scored 13 points since the scuffle with Chriss in the 3Q. #Knicks #NYKvsPHX
— Jonah Ballow (@jonahballow) December 14, 2016
That’s the type of reaction that sends a message to opponents who think they can get away with those type of actions.
Porzingis is developing into a legitimate star in just his second season in the NBA. He’s addressing his flaws one-by-one, playing with heart, and proving to be far more than just a flash in the pan who caught lightning in a bottle.
When people talk about the future of the NBA, it’s impossible to leave Porzingis off of the list. He’s revolutionizing the NBA.
Had Porzingis not fouled out on a debatable call, the Knicks may have won this game on the strength of his performance alone.
More from Daily Knicks
This article originally appeared on 
