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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 – NOVEMBER 5: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks dunks 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 dunks 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) /

1. The New Chapter

If you didn’t watch this game, you may argue that it wasn’t quite as good as his performance against the Los Angeles Lakers. You’ll argue that 40 points alone shouldn’t outweigh the brilliance of such a well-rounded performance, and that this is an example of an infatuation with scoring.

If you watched the clash between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers, however, you saw one of the greatest individual performances in franchise history.

Porzingis went off for 40 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and six blocks in 38 ridiculous minutes against the Pacers. He shot 15-of-24 from the field, 2-of-4 from beyond the arc—yes, just two three-point field goals made in a 40-point game—and 8-of-9 from the free throw line.

Most importantly: New York trailed by 19 points, including a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter, before Porzingis ultimately took over.

The end result was a 108-101 victory, with Porzingis scoring 17 points in the fourth quarter alone. Porzingis also passed out of a double-team to set up the game-winning shot, and had two critical and improbable blocks that kept New York within striking distance.

In the newest chapter of a storied rivalry, Porzingis helped the Knicks secure the type of victory that will not soon be forgotten by either fanbase.

Must Read: Five New Year's Resolutions for 2018

It’s been a remarkable start to a promising career by Kristaps Porzingis. These five games only scratch the surface of his brilliance.