Words by Jason Cordner
With the triangle a thing of the past, Phil Jackson and Carmelo Anthony gone, not many people expected anything good for the New York Knicks. Enter Kristap Porzingis to change expectations.
Porzingis is the one shining light from the Phil Jackson Era. He’s been especially lighting it up this season as the No. 1 option in the offense and creating a feverish excitement in Madison Square Garden and internationally. The Knicks are 5-4 and the fans are feeling optimistic again. They are happy to be attending games and at least discussing the possibilities for this team and the future of the franchise.
The last five games of this 2017 has been a small sample of the long term results the Knicks hope for with Porzingis as New York’s Top Gun.
The @NBA’s Eastern Conference Player of the Week.
And, he’s just getting started. pic.twitter.com/Qv9FLBElVT
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 6, 2017
Kristaps Porzingis not only set a new career-high for PTS, he also became the 3rd youngest @nyknicks player to score 40 PTS! ? pic.twitter.com/F2iNVC4NZ5
— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 6, 2017
He’s averaging 31.2 points, shooting 51.3 % from the field, to go along with a respectable eight rebounds and 2.4 blocks per contest. Through nine games, he has scored more than any Knicks player in franchise history, out performing classic Knicks players, like Bernard King, Melo and Patrick Ewing.
The third year player is shinning under the New York spotlight. With his excellent play, a youth movement in place, and a new front office team, it will be a matter of time before the Knicks are respectable again.
