One thing Kenyon Martin said he proved Thursday night was that he’s plenty capable of playing — and defending.
After barely playing in his first six games as a Knick, Martin got his first true chance in Thursday night’s 95-94 heartbreaker to the Thunder at the Garden.
Martin, who played 17 minutes, had an effective game, and likely changes coach Mike Woodson’s rotation.
“That’s the way I’ve been playing ever since I picked up a basketball,” Martin said. “But just showing them that I’ve still got it. Especially on the defensive end. Of course that ain’t going nowhere.”
Martin, who hadn’t played in four straight games, saw his most time since last May 17 when he was a Clipper. He finished with four points — two on a follow dunk and two on an alley-oop finish — notched a steal and played strong defense on Kevin Durant.
Martin also gave the Knicks some much-needed physicality, committing a hard foul on Durant, albeit one of six fouls he committed in his 17 minutes.
“Kenyon was huge for us,” Woodson said.
Martin’s only other playing time as a Knick was five minutes against the Warriors last Wednesday.
Earlier this week, Woodson said Martin was lower on the depth chart than Marcus Camby. But last night, it was Camby who did not play.
Neither did former Knick Ronnie Brewer, dealt to Oklahoma City to open a roster spot for Martin.
Martin said he had no idea he would be summoned, but Woodson said what prompted him to tab the 35-year-old — out of the NBA this season until the Knicks signed him — was his defensive history.
“He’s had some success guarding threes and fours and fives in our league,” he said. “That’s what he does. He can guard people. I thought it was the perfect time to give him a shot on Durant.”
“I thought he did an excellent job. He got in foul trouble, but for the most part, he was solid. Durant really had to work to get his points.”
The issue now is what happens with Martin going forward. Presumably, he has merited a shot ahead of Camby — and perhaps ahead of Kurt Thomas, who started last night.
Nevertheless, when Carmelo Anthony returns from his right knee injury, how many minutes will be there for Martin?
Whatever happens, Woodson said Martin — operating on his second 10-day contract — will have value going forward.
“As we move up this road, Kenyon’s going to be a factor for us, I think, defensively,” he said. “That’s why we’re keeping him around on our ballclub.”