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If this guy catches fire, the New York Knicks might as well forget about it.
Jaren Jackson, a backup guard who backed the Los Angeles Lakers right out of the NBA playoffs in Round 2, has the kind of outside shot that takes the heat off Spurs' big men David Robinson and Tim Duncan and puts the heat on opposing defenses.
Jackson is averaging 8.9 points a game during the playoffs, but everyone who has seen him play knows he is capable of way more than that. He scored 22 points in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Lakers, then added 20 in Game 4 as the Spurs completed the sweep.
He made 16 of his 27 shots in the two games.
In Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against the Portland Trail Blazers, he led the team with 19 points, hitting six of his seven 3-point tries.
Jackson wasn't quite that hot during the regular season, but he was a steady backup for the Spurs. He led the team in 3-pointers made (53) and was second behind veteran Mario Elie in 3-point shooting percentage (.374 to .361).
Can the well-traveled Jackson -- he's played in the CBA, the World Basketball League and for eight different NBA teams in his career -- light up the Knicks in his first NBA Finals?
If the Knicks leave him open, they'll no doubt find out.
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Jaren Jackson has been one of the Spurs' hottest hands this postseason.