Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2021 in New York City. The Knicks won 103-99. Credit: Getty Images/Sarah Stier
Immanuel Quickley already has established himself as a key contributor for the Knicks this season. But Monday he took another step as he moved into the starting lineup for the first time in his career.
The rookie point guard was handed a tough assignment, matching up against the Nets' Kyrie Irving, but with Elfrid Payton (hamstring) and Derrick Rose (health and safety protocols) sidelined, coach Tom Thibodeau decided to pull the trigger and put Quickley out there for the start.