Lee makes good on scoring potential during solid night Court case
Even if it seems like it, Kristaps Porzingis can’t do it alone. The young superstar still has needed help morphing a season of rebuilding into a year that could see the Knicks in postseason contention.
From the shadows, Courtney Lee has become one of Porzingis’ best sidekicks. A franchise so excited for what the future may hold continues to receive some of its best production from a 32-year-old in his 10th season.
While Porzingis put on another terrific show Saturday night, scoring 34 points in a 118-91 win over the Kings, Lee was just as hot from outside, scoring a seasonhigh 20 points while hitting five of six 3-pointers.
Lee played a team-high 30 minutes, adding four assists, and finished 7-of-9 from the field.
“We’ve been on him ever since he got here [to shoot more],” coach Jeff Hornacek said. “He passes up some shots, as a scorer, shooter you would take. Then he has games like tonight where it was perfect. He shot the shots he was supposed to. He didn’t need to be wide open. He’s a great shooter. He can shoot it with guys in his face. That helps spread the court.”
Despite providing his most value defensively, Lee has been nearly as vital on the other end of the court recently. Entering Saturday averaging a career-high 1.5 steals and 3.6 rebounds, Lee recorded his first career double-double in an Oct. 29 win over the Cavaliers and posted a career-high nine assists in Tuesday’s win over the Hornets.
Having hit at least one 3-pointer in all but three games this season, Lee opened Saturday by making four of his first five shots from outside, helping the Knicks recover from an early 11-0 deficit to notch their seventh win in the past nine games.
Lee, who entered the game shooting 40.5 percent on 3pointers, finished the first half with 15 points, matching his previous season high.
One of five Knicks to score in double figures Lee tied his fourth-best scoring output since joining the Knicks last season.
“It doesn’t matter who scores the ball,” Lee said. “If we can execute and get the best shot possible, that is what we are looking for. It just so happened that I was making shots, but the way we’re playing, it can be anybody on any given night.
“The way I play every game, I try to make the right reads and take what the defense gives you within the system. It was one of those games where it was my turn to make shots. My mindset is always the game. … We have a good group of guys. It’s the kind of offense that’s equal opportunity for everyone. It’s fun to be a part of.”