New York Knicks’ Michael Beasley, center looks at the screen during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden in New York, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)
NEW YORK—Michael Beasley knew had the hot hand way before his third quarter breakout.
He started feeling it 28 years go.
“January 9, 1989,” said Beasley, referring to his birth date, when asked about the second-half explosion that carried the New York Knicks to a 102-93 win over Boston Celtics Thursday night here.
Beasley took over for the Knicks when they couldn’t sustain their hot start as the team’s best player Kristaps Porzingis struggled and the Celtics, owner of the league’s best record, crawled back and threatened to break away late in the third quarter with a nine-point lead.
READ: MVP chants as Beasley scores 32 to lead Knicks past Celtics
The former 2008 second overall draft pick unleashed a stunning offensive showcase, including 18 of his 32 points in the payoff period, that had fans at historic Madison Square Garden on their feet chanting “MVP! MVP” every time Beasley stepped up to the line.
Beasley knew those chants were usually reserved for Porzingis, who had a dismal return from a two-game absence with a 0-11 shooting clip. But that night against the Knicks’ Atlantic Division rivals, he deserved the praise and reveled in it a bit.
“It’s nice to hear but I am pretty sure it’s for KP,” said Beasley at the locker room.
“I’m just here for the team. Whatever they need, whenever they need. Scoring, rebounding, defense. I just try my best. As humbly as I can say it I just feel like every shot is going in.”
Knicks coachh Jeff Hornacek was not at all surprised with Beasley’s performance.
“Mike, he can do a lot of things with the ball He was the second pick in the draft 10 years ago, after all. He’s talented and you all saw that tonight,” he said.
Beasley, who struggled with substance abuse in his days in Miami, bounced around the league and became an MVP in China before joining the Knicks, has settled well into his role as a reliable sub after getting a few starts early in the season.
In fact, according research by Elias Sports Bureau, he is the only Knick to have scored 32 and got 12 rebounds not at a starter.
“Coming off the bench, starting, whatever the team needs I’m going to do,” Beasley said. “If the team needs me to sit on the end of the bench and be a cheerleader then give me my pom poms. However I can help this team win I’m going to do.”
This night, he did things the Knicks’ most valuable player usually did.
“Michael Beasley had my back tonight,” Porzingis said.