New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat: Keys To The Game

Nov 21, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) drives the ball as Houston Rockets forward Marcus Thornton (10) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. The Knicks defeated the Rockets 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Will Hot Start Continue?

Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis was booed when he was selected fourth overall by the team in June. Now, he has fans chanting his name during home games, and teams are really beginning to take notice of the 7-feet-3 inch Latvian power forward.

He has surprised a ton of people thus far, looking to be a lot more comfortable at the NBA level than people expected, as he has fit in seamlessly with the Knicks without needing much of an adjustment period. At times he still looks like a rookie, but he has come to the NBA ready to play and to contribute.

Porzingis came up huge for the Knicks against the Rockets on Sunday night, picking up all the slack left behind with Carmelo Anthony on the bench. Porzingis poured in a career-high 24 points on 8-of-12 overall, 2-of-3 from deep and all six of his free throws. He also pulled down 14 rebounds with two assists and a career-high seven blocks.

The seven blocks is the most by a rookie this season, which means Porzingis holds the rookie high for blocks, rebounds (15, tied with Jahlil Okafor) and points with 29. Can he continue that against the Heat?

He will have a difficult matchup against Chris Bosh, one of the best power forwards in the business. A big reason for Porzingis’ recent success is that he has been able to stay out of foul trouble. Expect the Heat to try and exploit that by going to him early and often. Will Porzingis be up for the challenge?

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