New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis Logs Career High in Consecutive Win

New York Knicks budding star Kristaps Porzingis broke the 30-point barrier for a career-high 35 points against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.

New York Knicks fans saw Kristaps Porzingis at his best in a 105-102 victory over the pesky Detroit Pistons.

Over the summer, the Latvian sophomore phenom worked on his ball-handling, core body strength and shot endlessly in the gym to improve his percentages. All the effort went on display in Porzingis’ best performance in a Knicks uniform. He finished with 35 points on 13-of-22 shooting from the field.

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Porzingis immediately flashed as the focal point on offense in the first quarter, which set the tone for the game. Though unselfish, he became an aggressive scorer with a hot hand. After the first half, he put 25 points on the scorecard and revealed a desire to go for 40 points in a postgame interview:

Nonetheless, the Knicks didn’t stand around and watch the Porzingis show. Forward Carmelo Anthony nailed 4-of-6 from 3-point range. Within the second unit, guard Justin Holiday added nine points on the offensive end, and forward Kyle O’Quinn swatted three shots.

New York won with a three-point margin but controlled the lead for most of the contest. Detroit’s tenacity and distance shooting kept the game close, but the Knicks sealed the deal with solid defense on the final possession.

Kristaps Porzingis’ Career Night

Let’s take another look at Porzingis. Through 11 games, he’s experienced some ups and downs. At one point, many felt Anthony and Rose ignored him on the court. Now, he’s found his rhythm within the starting lineup. Head coach Jeff Hornacek deserves credit for staggering his minutes and inserting the dynamic playmaker with the second unit.

Typically, Porzingis gets the first call back into the lineup when the reserves struggle to score points. On Wednesday, he logged 40 minutes and barely came off the court. It says a lot about his stamina and body conditioning to remain effective with extended minutes between lineups. Fans at Madison Square Garden saw everything Porzingis can become on a consistent basis.

Joakim Noah Answers Critics

Center Joakim Noah took a permanent seat on the bench in the second half of the previous outing. Many reports emerged suggesting the Knicks may have early buyer’s remorse on the veteran carrying a four-year, $72 million contract.

Did you see Noah’s open jump shot? It’s equivalent to sharp nails scratching against a chalkboard.

At this stage in his career, Hornacek knows his center doesn’t threaten teams with smooth offensive moves. Team president Phil Jackson didn’t sign him to add 10-12 points per game.

For Noah, it’s all about playing defense, grabbing rebounds, bringing energy and leadership. Yes, the Knicks paid a lofty price for the intangibles and some toughness, and it’s worth it at times.

Against the Pistons, he secured 15 rebounds, blocked three shots and added seven points in 25 minutes—that’s an ideal stat line for the ninth-year pro. However, Hornacek would probably like to see him improve at the free-throw line. Noah only made 1-of-6 from the charity stripe.

Next: Will Carmelo Anthony, Phil Jackson Discuss LeBron James?

No Name to Solid Role Player

Does anyone remember Holiday in an Atlanta Hawks or Chicago Bulls uniform in the previous season? Probably not. Initially, the slender 6’6” guard seemed like a throwaway in the Derrick Rose trade deal. Nonetheless, he’s become an asset on both ends of the court. He can knock down open shots, extend his range behind the 3-point line and plays solid perimeter defense.

It doesn’t take a basketball guru to realize the Knicks have a far better chance at victory with bench help. The team lacks consistency from the reserves, but it’s still early. Who knows? Holiday may develop into a crucial two-way player as the season progresses. The Knicks didn’t have forward Lance Thomas in uniform, but Holiday put maximum effort in his defensive play to force difficult shots.