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Phil Jackson greatest move as Knicks president was on full and incredible display at the Staples Center, flaunted in front of the team that passed him up in the draft less than two years ago.
Kristaps Porzingis finished with a game-high 26 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocks, terminating his shooting slump emphatically in New York’s 118-112 victory Sunday over L.A.
The 21-year-old Latvian came into the game shooting just 30 percent over his previous five while dealing with a minor knee issue. Then he helped pummel the Lakers for the streaking Knicks’ fourth straight road win.
“I’ve been confident the whole time. Maybe it was just more getting shots in rhythm, good shots, and not being too anxious. Sometimes I try to force things a little too much and (Sunday) I wanted to slow down a little bit and take good shots. Good decisions” Porzingis said. “And it came to me, I really didn’t have to force things.”
Quick Take: Porzingis is 7-foot-3, can run the fast break, and hit three-pointers. He’s got as much potential as any young player in the league. There is no reason to expect consistent play from him just yet, but it’s going to be very cool watching him continue to develop. And as he gets better, the Knicks will presumably go to him in more consistent fashion. And then the real fun begins.
