Timofey Mozgov's 23-point, 14-rebound performance in his first real game action in months was something out of the Nate Robinson annals. Credit Raymond Felton and Toney Douglas for finding Mozgov on cuts and rolls, especially when his man helped off. Mozgov had the yips early, but once he flushed that first dunk, you could see the confidence begin to grow. Mozgov can be very important to the Knicks because of his length and size, but also his quickness to the basket. If a defender helps off him, he should, and, as we saw against Detroit, can make you pay.

The best part about Mozgov's game was how much his teammates seemed to revel in his success. All of them pointed to the extra work he put in before and after practice and before games with assistant coaches such as Herb Williams and Dan D'Antoni. That's the kind of stuff that always pays off eventually, kids. "He is a true professional," Felton said.

By the way, Anthony Randolph played too. Randolph hasn't blown anyone away with his worth ethic -- nowhere near what Mozgov has offered -- but to his credit he was ready to play when his number was called, just as he promised. What was more admirable was that Randolph didn't come into the game looking to put up shots and collect numbers. He took only one shot but grabbed five boards and blocked a shot in 8:30.