King Kristaps Porzingis Keeps Getting Better

The Rockets are really struggling to get wins thus far, but they’re still a dangerous team. And yet, the New York Knicks beat them in Houston last night, thanks to a historic game from one Kristaps Porzingis. He became only the second player ever to record at least 24 points, 14 rebounds, 7 blocks, and multiple three pointers (via r/NBA). Look at Young Lurch, hitting threes, skyhooks, and swatting everything that moves.

Porzingis’ impact isn’t strictly on the offensive side either. Because he’s the size of a mature Sequoia pine tree and can move a bit, he presents a lot of problems for opposing power forwards that not many other defenders do.

All the standard caveats about small sample size of course factor in here, but it’s not like Porzingis is playing at his full capacity yet. He’s only shooting 30% from three and can drift out of games sometimes. But the Knicks are +11.5 points per 100 possessions better with him around. That’s substantial, and even if teams start game-planning for him, there’s only so much you can do against a three-point threat who is the height of El Capitán.

Photo via AP