New York Knicks Takeaways From Loss vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Player of the Game: Kristaps Porzingis

Nov 4, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward

(24) shoots against New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

While he was limited tonight because of foul trouble, Kristaps Porzingis was once again the most impressive Knick on the court whenever he played. He was only able to play for 20 minutes, but they were an effective 20 minutes. He shot 6-of-11 from the field for 13 points, including a three-pointer. He also added four rebounds, one steal, two steals and two blocks.

Porzingis has been a difference maker for the Knicks at both ends of the court this season, and is playing better than anyone could have predicted. He has been dominant defensively, as his size enables him to challenge successfully at the rim, and his length and quickness make him a factor in the passing lanes.

Unfortunately, against the Cavaliers we didn’t see that as much because of the foul trouble. That is the one negative for Porzingis in the early going, as he is extremely foul prone. Part of that is the inability for the Knicks guards to keep people in front of them, but tonight he made two bad fouls, his third and fifth of the game. Both times he pushed an opponent for no reason in the back, and it sent him to the bench for an extended period of time on both occasions.

It would have been interesting to see if the Knicks could have gotten things going with Porzingis on the court, as he was playing great before fouls sent him to the bench.

Next: Cavaliers Dominate At The Line