New York Knicks: Who Stepped Up Against The Miami Heat?

Kristaps Porzingis

The New York Knicks have already established that Kristaps Porzingis can take over as a scorer. What’s yet to be determined, however, is whether or not the 7’3″ Porzingis will show up as a rebounder on a nightly basis.

Porzingis has addressed that issue head-on by recording back-to-back double-doubles with strong efforts on the glass.

Porzingis recorded 14 points, 12 rebounds, two offensive boards, and a block in 30 minutes for his second consecutive double-double. He shot 6-of-15 from the field, 0-of-4 from 3-point range, and 2-of-4 from the free throw line, but this was about more than inefficient shooting marks.

Porzingis was aggressive on the boards and proved that he can help control the pace of the game when his shot isn’t going down.

Porzingis has as many double-doubles over the past two games, two, as he had over the previous 19. That’s a testament to just how far he’s come in terms of rebounding with energy and embracing physicality.

Porzingis continues to do incredible things on the offensive end of the floor, but it’s his increase in production as a rebounder that helped New York win in Miami.