New York Knicks vs. Houston Rockets Keys To The Game

Nov 21, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots the ball during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Knicks defeated the Rockets 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Repeat Performance?

In the first meeting, Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis made sure the Rockets would remember who is was. He had a monster game and was a force on both ends of the court. With Carmelo Anthony battling foul trouble, Porzingis had to take on more of a role offensively and he thrived.

Porzingis lit the Rockets up, scoring 24 points on 8-of-12 from the field, including 2-of-3 from deep and connecting on all six of his free throw attempts. He also added 14 rebounds, a team high for the game, five of which came on the offensive side of the court.

Where he was arguably most impressive though was on the defensive end. Porzingis was a game-changer at that end of the court, giving fits to Rockets’ power forward Terrence Jones, who shot only 5-of-14 in the game. For good measure, Porzingis also blocked a career-high seven shots, the most blocks a rookie has in a game this season as he used his 7-feet-3 inch frame to his advantage well.

Will he be able to have that kind of impact again? The Rockets will not be surprised by whatever he brings to the table this time, as they have already faced off against him once. He will have a little tougher of a time with Dwight Howard expected to play this time after not playing the first time.

Next: Where Is The Bench?