New York Knicks: Who Stepped Up Against Detroit Pistons?

Nov 16, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (91) and forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) react after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (91) and forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) react after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
7 of 8
Nov 16, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) dribbles the ball in front of Detroit Pistons forward Jon Leuer (30) during second half at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) dribbles the ball in front of Detroit Pistons forward Jon Leuer (30) during second half at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Kristaps Porzingis

If only for a half, New York City belonged to Kristaps Porzingis when the New York Knicks hosted the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden. Between the alley-oop dunk, the multiple turnaround jump shots, the 3-point shooting, and his post game, Porzingis was unstoppable.

If there’s only one reason to walk away from tonight’s game with a smile on your face, it’s the knowledge that Porzingis has limitless potential.

Porzingis finished with a career-high 35 points, seven rebounds, four offensive boards, three assists, one block, and a steal in 40 minutes of play. He shot 13-of-22 from the field, 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, and 6-of-7 from the charity stripe.

Beyond the numbers, Porzingis put his full offensive arsenal on display and reminded Knicks fans again of why he’s one of the most promising players in the NBA.

Porzingis had 18 points on 7-of-18 shooting during his first meeting with the Pistons in 2016-17. He exceeded those scoring and field goals made marks during the first half and proved how mentally strong he is.

If Porzingis truly is the player whom Phil Jackson is building around, then the Knicks are in outstanding hands.