Kristaps Porzingis puts on a clinic against the Lakers and the New York Knicks look to continue their winning ways against Brooklyn and Oklahoma City.
First player in @NBA history with at least 35 pts, 10 rebs, 5 blks, and 5 3PTM in a game. pic.twitter.com/D5vkcLJ73k
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 13, 2017
Kristaps Porzingis was the story of Tuesday night’s game. He made NBA history as the first player with at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks, and five three-pointers. They call him a unicorn for this exact reason. His unique skill set allows him to put up these ridiculous numbers and change the game in a number of different ways. Right now I think the only other player in the NBA that could do this is Kevin Durant. Maybe Joel Embiid, but that might be pushing it.
Highlights from the thrilling win over the Lakers pres. by @budweiserusa ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/inLhGcmyD7
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 13, 2017
The Knicks and the Lakers played an extremely entertaining game in Madison Square Garden on Tuesday evening. The young stars on both sides were front and center. Lonzo Ball struggled in the fourth quarter and overtime, but overall had a pretty productive game. Frank Ntilikina helped the Knicks in a variety of ways and outplayed Ball down the stretch. The Knicks would eventually fend off the Lakers in overtime. Full postgame coverage can be seen here.
.@FrankLikina isn't backing down. pic.twitter.com/a3A3xSQGyd
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 13, 2017
Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek had great things to say about rookie point guard Frank Ntilikina. Hornacek would go on to say in his postgame presser, “He doesn’t shy away from the pressure. He has the mentality of a great basketball player.”
This is high praise coming from Hornacek and for good reason. There are definitely some things for the rookie to work on, but he has looked poised and confident down the stretch of games. He is going to be really fun to watch once he develops his offensive game a little bit more.
The Knicks will try to get the monkey off their back in Brooklyn tonight and secure a road victory for the first time since Oct. 29 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The players won’t have to endure a difficult road trip because the only thing they have to do is commute a short distance to Brooklyn. Not always the easiest commute for sure, but it’s better than getting on a plane for a long flight somewhere.
Finally, Knicks fans will get their shot at Carmelo Anthony and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday. The Thunder were once thought of as a legitimate contender in the loaded Western Conference, but they are currently two games below .500 and sitting in ninth place in the conference. The trio of Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony have not gotten off to a great start, but we’ll have to wait and see how they play under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.
Other Knicks News, Stories
- Collin Loring asks whether or not it’s time to start Frank Ntilikina
- I take a look at why a backcourt between Kristaps Porzingis and Julius Randle would work so well.
- Max Kellerman guarantees that the Knicks will never win a title with Kristaps Porzingis.
