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3 Knicks who must step up for New York to beat the Heat

By Colin Loughran

Julius Randle #30 and Quentin Grimes #6 of the New York Knicks celebrate late in the game against the Miami Heat during game two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Madison Square Garden on May 02, 2023 in New York City. The New York Knicks (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Julius Randle #30 and Quentin Grimes #6 of the New York Knicks celebrate late in the game against the Miami Heat during game two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Madison Square Garden on May 02, 2023 in New York City. The New York Knicks (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Knick #2: Immanuel Quickley

Third-year shooting guard Immanuel Quickley drew serious Sixth Man of the Year buzz this season for his scoring output and perimeter defense. No matter if Quickley started or came off the bench, he seemed to regularly give the Knicks a jolt of electricity on both ends of the court. The 22-year-old Kentucky product has not been his usual self this postseason.

Through seven playoff games, he’s only averaged 8.6 points and one made three-point shot per game. Further, he played a season-low 9 minutes in New York’s game 2 home win over Miami while only scoring 6 points.

"“We need him,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau told the New York Post after the Knicks 111-105 Game 2 win on Tuesday. “Like, just get out there, and he got going a little bit [in the second half]. “He’s got a knack for putting the ball in the basket, and I don’t want him overthinking it. Shoot your shot, when he’s aggressive and attacking, he’ll be fine. We’ve seen him now; as everyone knows, he’s a scorer.”"

Given the Heat’s lack of major contributions outside of 6-time All-Star Butler, the Knicks will need Quickley to help pile up points off the bench while continuing to offer a stout defensive effort.

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