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New York Knicks: Ranking Kristaps Porzingis’ best games from 2017

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 5: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks celebrates a win against the Indiana Pacers on November 5, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 5: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks celebrates a win against the Indiana Pacers on November 5, 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 – DECEMBER 12: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 12, 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 – DECEMBER 12: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 12, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Making History

The New York Knicks hosted the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, Dec. 12 in a rematch of the 1952, 1953, 1970, 1972, and 1973 NBA Finals. In what may have been the return of a once prominent rivalry, the Knicks secured a dramatic 113-109 overtime victory.

The key to that remarkable success was a performance that rewrote the history books—one that validated the nickname of The Unicorn.

Porzingis torched the Lakers for 37 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, five blocks, and a steal in 40 unforgettable minutes of action. He shot 14-of-26 from the field, 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, and 4-of-5 from the free throw line.

In the process, Porzingis became the first player in NBA history to record at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks, and five three-point field goals made in a single game.

This performance was the epitome of what makes Porzingis special. He can not only impact the game on both ends of the floor, but he’s capable of doing so in a seemingly endless number of ways, whether that be shooting threes, going to the post, blocking shots, or focusing on the boards.

For what it’s worth: Porzingis and Kevin Durant are on pace to become the first players in NBA history to average at least 20.0 points, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 three-point field goal made per game.