Kristaps Porzingis explodes in New York Knicks win over Blazers (Highlights)
Nov 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) celebrates with forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Kristaps Porzingis exploded on Tuesday night while leading his New York Knicks to the deserving victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

  • New York Knicks 107 (7-7)
  • Portland Trail Blazers 103 (8-8)
  • NBA, Final, Box Score
  • Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

The Garden was electric on this night. 

From Mindaugas Kuzminskas hitting a straightaway clutch 3-pointer to Derrick Rose running the show late, the New York Knicks did everything a winning team needs to do when looking to knock off a solid NBA squad. The final for this high-scoring, fun, energetic game turned out to be 107-103 after D-Rose sank a mid-range step back with a little over five seconds remaining.

Just as fans walked out of out the Mecca happy with their team’s effort, they all uttered the same name both silently and aloud with a gleeful smile full of giddiness: Kristaps Porzingis. KP, the young Latvian, was sensational.

KP, the young Latvian, was sensational all night long. He poured in 31 points on 13-of-23 from the floor (17 coming in the first half). He showcased a wide range of skills, doing things with finesse and might.

Early in the second quarter he decided to take Meyers Leonard off the dribble:

Then he went after Mason Plumlee, putting him on a poster:

On a night Carmelo Anthony was miserable from the floor (7-22, 17 points), Porzingis dominated.

Including that huge bucket late, Rose finished with 16 points and five assists. Brandon Jennings enjoyed yet another big game off the bench. In the second quarter, especially, Jennings was the catalyst that helped propel the Knicks bench into the game. He tallied 11 dimes and four points on the night.

Tuesday marked the second straight game Kyle O’Quinn started due to Joakim Noah‘s sickness that has kept him sidelined. Kuzminskas not only finished with 10 points, he played the entire fourth quarter.

New York is now 7-7, an even .500 on the season. Next up will be a Friday night date with the Charlotte Hornets at The Garden.

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Robby Sabo
https://jetsxfactor.com
Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com

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