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New York Knicks: Encouraging statistics from 6-5 start

By Maxwell Ogden

BROOKLYN, NY - NOVEMBER 7: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks reacts during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on November 7, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - NOVEMBER 7: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks reacts during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on November 7, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 07: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks hangs on the rim after dunking the ball in the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Madison Square Garden on November 7, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 07: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks hangs on the rim after dunking the ball in the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Madison Square Garden on November 7, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

2. Kristaps Porzingis’ MVP-Caliber Start

Entering the 2017-18 NBA regular season, there was a sense of cautious optimism about Kristaps Porzingis. Many were excited to see him play without Carmelo Anthony, but also acknowledged how the 33-year-old had masked some of Porzingis’ offensive flaws in 2015-16 and 2016-17.

Over the course of the first 11 games of the season, Porzingis has exceeded all expectations by becoming one of the primary candidates in the premature race for MVP.

Porzingis is currently averaging 30.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 offensive boards, 1.0 assist, 2.3 blocks, and 1.9 three-point field goals made per game. He’s setting career-highs in points, rebounds, blocks, and threes in just 0.2 minutes more per game than he played in 2016-17.

Most impressive of all is the fact that he’s maintained an elite level of efficiency during this stretch, shooting at a clip of .500/.380/.836.

Furthermore, Porzingis set a franchise record by scoring 300 points in the first 10 games of the regular season. He also became the first player in franchise history to score at least 30 points in five of the first six games of a regular season.

That becomes even more impressive when one considers that he hasn’t missed a beat defensively, anchoring the dominant interior with his presence and shot-blocking.

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