New York Knicks: What We Learned From The Loss To The Orlando Magic

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Dec 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) leaves the game after sustaining a leg injury against the Orlando Magic during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The Knicks Need Kristaps Porzingis

The New York Knicks played a second consecutive game without starting power forward Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis missed the loss to the Houston Rockets due to soreness in his left achilles tendon and sat for the clash with the Orlando Magic, as well.

Though Porzingis may not have made the difference between winning and losing, it was clear how badly the Knicks miss his presence.

During the loss to Orlando, New York allowed 46 points in the paint and converted just eight 3-point field goals. Porzingis’ presence was missed as both a 3-point shooter and a rim protector, as well as a post player who can end scoring droughts.

The Knicks clearly need Porzingis, but the best way to address that issue is to ensure he’ll be available long-term.

Porzingis leads the Knicks with 1.9 blocks per game and is No. 2 with averages of 20.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per contest. For as valuable as his production and presence may be, New York shouldn’t do anything to make it worse.

Whenever it is that Porzingis is truly ready to return to the lineup, the Knicks will be a better team because of it.

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