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New York Knicks: Handing out awards at quarter-mark of 2017-18 season

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks dunks the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks dunks the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

MVP: Kristaps Porzingis

When it comes to MVP, any answer other than Kristaps Porzingis would be downright irrational for the New York Knicks. Not only is Porzingis the team’s Most Valuable Player, but one could easily argue that he’s one of the top-five candidates for the award league-wide.

Between his star-caliber scoring and his dominant defense, Porzingis has anchored Jeff Hornacek’s system in almost every way imaginable.

Porzingis is currently averaging 25.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.9 three-point field goals made in 31.5 minutes per game. He’s doing so on a highly efficient slash line of .467/.402/.841—all of which are career-best marks.

Beyond the individual production, the Knicks have a team-best net rating of +4.7 with Porzingis on the court and a mark of -6.6 when he isn’t—a difference of 11.3 points per 100 possessions.

Porzingis currently ranks No. 1 in the NBA in blocks per game, No. 3 in usage percentage, No. 5 in points per game, and No. 13 in Player Efficiency Rating. Perhaps most importantly, he ranks No. 2 in the Association in points per fourth quarter.

Porzingis has been the Knicks’ defensive anchor, go-to scoring option, and closer during the 2017-18 regular season.

Must Read: Who are the 25 greatest players in New York Knicks history?

For as well as the New York Knicks have played as a team, there aren’t many players in the NBA who have as shouldered as heavy a workload as Kristaps Porzingis.

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