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New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis’ five best games so far

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 12: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks in action against Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden on December 12, 2017 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Lakers 113-109 in overtime. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 12: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks in action against Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden on December 12, 2017 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Lakers 113-109 in overtime. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks Kristaps Porzingis (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
New York Knicks Kristaps Porzingis (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. 24 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocks vs. Rockets: Nov. 21, 2015

Kristaps Porzingis entered the NBA as a raw rookie in 2015. The potential was there, with a 7-foot-3 frame and unique athleticism to blend it. Along with a shooting ability that drew Dirk Nowitzki comparisons, it made the Latvian forward a tantalizing prospect.

The first month of the season showed no rookie wall for Porzingis, who delivered 12.4 points and 8.4 rebounds in his first 13 games. Then came arguably his “welcome to the NBA” performance.

On Nov. 21, 2015, against James Harden and the Houston Rockets, Porzingis broke out for 24 points, 14 rebounds and seven blocks. The point total wasn’t his highest, but the overall stat line became his best.

Porzingis delivered this on an efficient 8-for-12 shooting, 2-for-3 from behind the arc and 6-for-6 on free throws.

This happened when the New York Knicks needed it to, with Carmelo Anthony taking just 10 shots and the leader in attempts, Arron Afflalo, having 18.

Porzingis was dynamic, and this game put him on the map as one of the NBA’s best rookies. He impacted all areas of scoring and used height to his advantage — patroling the paint and leading to Houston shooting just 43 percent.

The seven blocks also remains a career-high. He eventually tied this twice, with another big game in 2015-16 and 2016-17.

The best was still on the way for Porzingis, who had more than just this in his back pocket.

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