Even if they remain on two defeats, the Knicks just before achieved an impressive series of nine consecutive victories, between February 11 and March 5. A series in which Immanuel Quickley showed, especially in New York’s jaw-dropping win over Boston at the TD Garden after two overtimes. He carried his team to success that night with 38 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals in 55 minutes!
A performance that allowed him to score many points with observers but also bookmakers for the title of best sixth man of the year. A reward that would allow him to imitate his idol, Lou Williams, three times winners of the trophy.
“Anytime you’re mentioned with great players like Lou Williams, or any other player who’s won Sixth Man of the Year, that’s pretty cool.” recognized Immanuel Quickley.
Before this match against Boston, it was Malcolm Brogdon, author of a very good season in Boston, who held the rope. But now, the recent performances of Immanuel Quickley may have reshuffled the cards. Also to be watched, players like Norman Powell, Malik Monk, Tyrese Maxey or Bobby Portis who have not said their last word.
defense advantage
After two seasons, Immanuel Quickley has now fully earned the trust of Tom Thibodeau. Today, he plays 28 minutes per game against 23 and he has established himself as one of the best defensemen of the Knicks, becoming at the same time an essential element of the New York team in key moments.
“I feel like I’ve found my cruising speed” he explains. “I think defending is where it all starts for me. And being in the rhythm defensively, I know I can find my attacking rhythm thanks to that..
Defense was the biggest change for Immanuel Quickley from his first two seasons in the league. He has made tremendous progress in this area.
“He can defend in several positions. He has become much stronger” confirms Tom Thibodeau. “But I also think his understanding of the league, knowing what the teams are trying to do, his ability to think ahead is important.”
Winning the Sixth Man of the Year trophy would be a huge reward for Immanuel Quickley especially at this stage of his career. However, the interested party does not want to go too far on the subject.
“For me, honestly, it all comes down to winning” concludes Immanuel Quickley. “If you don’t win, nobody gets a prize. So, honestly, I’m not too interested in it. I focus on the day-to-day, try to improve, and if I win Sixth Man of the Year, then I win Sixth Man of the Year.”.
Also beware of the physical backlash because his big game against Boston was followed by two poor performances, in two losses. Facing Charlotte then Sacramento, he thus compiled 14 then 3 points, at 5/16 then 1/11 in shooting.
| Immanuel Quickley | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2020-21 | NYK | 64 | 19 | 39.5 | 38.9 | 89.1 | 0.4 | 1.8 | 2.1 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 11.4 |
| 2021-22 | NYK | 78 | 23 | 39.2 | 34.6 | 88.1 | 0.4 | 2.8 | 3.2 | 3.5 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 11.3 |
| 2022-23 | NYK | 66 | 28 | 44.7 | 36.4 | 81.9 | 0.7 | 3.4 | 4.1 | 3.2 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 13.4 |
| Total | 208 | 24 | 41.2 | 36.5 | 86.5 | 0.5 | 2.6 | 3.1 | 2.9 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 12.0 | |
