Cameron Payne

Called upon to provide both a bucket-getting spark, and perhaps, an alternative path towards cutting into the Boston Celtics’ commanding third quarter lead, Cameron Payne worked to supply the New York Knicks with both through a well-timed relocation. Thinking team-first after a misfired 3-pointer ricochets into his possession, Payne swings the ball back towards the perimeter, ultimately using instinctual off-ball movement and court IQ to find it swinging his way once more. Knowing a thing or two about deep-range shooting and NBA Finals appearances himself, Payne lets one fly against the defending-champions, trimming the deficit ever slightly. New York’s rally attempts would be fruitless during October 22, 2024’s loss, though they did receive noteworthy introductions from numerous first-time contributors. A standout among them, Payne’s end-of-game tally featured 11 points (on 5-of-10 shooting) — second-most among the Knicks’ reserves — paired with three rebounds, four dimes, one steal, and a 3-point make.