Enes Kanter finally got back into a game for the New York Knicks, and he showed his gratitude with an interesting display.
Upon checking into Wednesday night’s Knicks-Dallas Mavericks game during the third quarter, Kanter kissed the court.
Enes Kanter is just happy to play again (via @IanBegley) pic.twitter.com/wiqZLV5qjA
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 31, 2019
What was the reason for the gesture? The Knicks big man explained after the game.
Enes Kanter on kissing the court: "I was planning this for a long time. I was just waiting to get back in…. I was so happy I got in, just to show the fans some love for maybe, I don’t know, one last time. I have no idea." https://t.co/lwwQ3bIVMy
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 31, 2019
Enes Kanter after kissing the Garden court: "If they knew the love of New York I have in my heart, they’d retire my jersey."
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) January 31, 2019
Kanter hadn’t played since Jan. 21, receiving a DNP- coach’s decision for four straight games. He had been benched for seven of eight games prior to Wednesday.
Knicks coach David Fizdale said after the game that he turned to Kanter because the team’s other bigs weren’t getting it done.
David Fizdale said he didn’t thing his big men were playing to an acceptable level so he turned to Enes Kanter in the third quarter.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 31, 2019
Kanter had five points and two rebounds in nine minutes. The Knicks are in full tank mode and have gone 1-19 over their last 20. At least this may quiet the chants from the fans.
