Game Preview: 76ers at Knicks

On draft night, when I sent out a tweet complimenting the Knicks’ decision to go for the “dare-to-be-great” pick in Porzingis, my mentions filled up with upset New Yorkers – some calling me an idiot and others accusing me of being sarcastic.

The Rockets beat the Knicks 116-111 in overtime. Following a series of incidents that have happened over the course of Okafor’s first season as a pro, the organization reportedly deemed it necessary to provide around-the-clock security detail to keep him out of the headlines.

However, the Knicks (9-10) broke the game open in the second quarter with a 10-2 run to take a 45-32 advantage with 4 minutes, 11 seconds remaining in the half. The idea that Jeremy could lead us to the O’Brien Trophy always felt a little absurd. “And that part, we’ve been pleasantly surprised that he has the stamina and the strength, the athleticism to play a duration of time in the game”.

Porzingis, however, has become a fan favorite after he was booed by hundreds of frustrated Knicks fans on draft night when he was announced as the team’s fourth selection. This was the first of four meetings between the two teams this season, as the Knicks, despite coming off the worst season in franchise history, look light years ahead of the 76ers at this time. “I want to get him back, ‘” Porzingis said with a grin.

Through his first 17 games, Porzingis is averaging 13.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. “He told us to stay with the pace”, said Noel. “I think we should’ve been better prepared”.

It’s hard to say the exact same feeling is felt with Porzingis. Regardless of the contract though general manager Steve Mills said the Knicks never had any discussions about trading Anthony, an assertion Lowe believes to be untrue as many around the league felt he might have been available at some point. He has incredibly defensive instincts, a swiftness of feet not seen in most big men and the ability to stretch the defense (shooting 30 percent from behind the arc).

“You’re going to have to play better”, Van Gundy said. Long, the former Eastern Michigan star forward, will be on hand to help serve homeless people throughout the community. “Things like his height, his offensive-rebound rate, his blocks-per-48 minutes all have fed into the fans” fascination with Porzingis.

Williams showed some flashes of brilliance during New York’s season-opening 122-97 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks last month, top-scoring the team with 24 points in 21 minutes, but he was slowly locked to the bench since then.