New York Knicks: Who Stepped Up Against The Los Angeles Lakers?

Kristaps Porzingis

At least one time per game, New York Knicks phenom Kristaps Porzingis has a, “Wow,” moment. Against the Los Angeles Lakers, it felt as though Porzingis had one every time he touched the ball—or every time an opponent tried to drive the lane.

In what may have been the best all-around performance of his NBA career, Porzingis bounced back from a recent cold stretch with an outstanding game.

Porzingis did it all against the Lakers—a statement with no hyperbole. He posted 26 points, 12 rebounds, three offensive boards, two assists, seven blocks, and one steal on shooting marks of 8-of-15 from the field, 3-of-4 from distance, and 7-of-9 at the charity stripe.

Beyond the numbers, Porzingis scored in every way imaginable, dominated the paint on defense, took his turn as a facilitator, and overwhelmed L.A. on the boards.

Porzingis has the type of versatility that NBA executives have only been able to dream of. At 7’3″, he’s capable of posting these type of numbers on a nightly basis—give or take a few blocks and few other changes.

For what it’s worth, Porzingis is the first Knicks player to record at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and seven blocks since Patrick Ewing in 1997.