Kristaps Porzingis Has Strong Showing In Rising Stars Game
Kristaps Porzingis was able to put on a show during the BBVA Rising Star’s Game, scoring a game-high tying 30 points.
Kristaps Porzingis has had a strong rookie season thus far for the New York Knicks. The fourth overall pick from the 2015 NBA Draft was met with boos when his name was called by commissioner Adam Silver, but he has quickly turned those boos into cheers as he is one of the fan favorites on a nightly basis at Madison Square Garden.
Porzingis turned his strong rookie season into an invite to the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge, which pits the best rookies and sophomores from the United States against the best rookies and sophomores from around the world. Porzingis earned his spot by averaging 13.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.9 blocks and 0.8 steals per game. Those numbers are better than anything anyone could have predict for the 20-year old Latvian is barely scratching the surface of the potential that he possesses.
But, Porzingis does not allow his size to deter him while on the court, as he can do some of the things players a foot shorter than him can do, and he showcased that tonight during the game. At times he was the small forward for the World Team, showcasing his athleticism and quickness on the perimeter despite standing at 7-feet-3 inches tall.
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Later in the game he was seen playing center, banging on the interior against the likes of Jahlil Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns, two of the players selected ahead of him in the 2015 NBA Draft.
Porzingis showcased all of those talents tonight, as he had a monster game for the World Team. Porzinigs tied for the game-high in points with 30, tying MVP Zach LaVine and World teammate Emmanuel Mudiay. Porzinigs showed his feathery touch from the outside, knocking down 5-of-8 from deep and 12-of-16 overall with a number of easy dunks as well.
We also got to see his versatility on display, as he pulled down five rebounds with four assists and one block. In a game that is a glorified pickup game, it was nice to see Porzingis still show off some of his defensive prowess.
Despite being on the losing end of a 157-154 game, Porzingis showed once again that he will be a force in the NBA for many years to come. He may not be as polished in one area as Okafor or Towns is, but Porzingis has a sky-high ceiling that the Knicks will be happy to see at Madison Square Garden for years to come.
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His appeal not only in New York but globally was evident tonight as well, as Porzingis was cheered for as loudly as any player that was not from Canada.