New York Knicks: Players Who Stepped Up Against Detroit Pistons

Kristaps Porzingis

The first half was ugly for Kristaps Porzingis, but there’s a reason that four quarters are played. Porzingis took over in the third quarter of the 13-point loss, temporarily saving the Knicks from what was shaping up to be a blowout loss.

It was far from the best performance of Porzingis’ young career, but he continues to become more confident with the ball in his hands.

Porzingis scored 12 of his 18 points during the third quarter of the Knicks’ 102-89 loss. It was one of the reasons for optimism during the second half, as Porzingis kept New York afloat as the rest of its offense went cold.

Porzingis couldn’t save the Knicks during the fourth quarter, but it was easy to be enamored with his performance in Detroit.

Porzingis overcame a slow start by fighting through his struggles and playing with a sense of urgency that his teammates lacked in the second half. He trusted his teammates, worked without the ball, and even went to the post for a gorgeous turnaround J.

Porzingis is averaging 18.3 points per game after three appearances, which offers reason to approve of the trajectory of the 2016-17 season.