The Smoking Cuban
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Dallas Mavericks: 3 best games of Kristaps Porzingis’ career so far

By Kohl Rast

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 07: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks hangs on the rim after dunking the ball in the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Madison Square Garden on November 7, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 07: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks hangs on the rim after dunking the ball in the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Madison Square Garden on November 7, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 21: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball over Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks on January 21, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 21: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball over Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks on January 21, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers

In his 2nd year in the league, Kristaps Porzingis really hit the ground running. He immediately came into the season as the most exciting player the Knicks had in several years and he was ready to show the fans that his rookie season was just the start. Nothing proved that more than his 24th game of the season against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kristaps showed that he was capable of putting up big numbers in his rookie year, but his second year needed to be all about proving that he could do it night in and night out. This Knicks team was far from an elite group of talent and Porzingis had to share the court with Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose. Both of those guys were great players, but not exactly the best teammates.

Kristaps averaged fewer field goal attempts per game than either Melo or Rose, but his shooting efficiency was quite good considering he shoots it from all over the court. KP’s beautiful shooting stroke is what really put him on the map, but the most underrated part of his game has to be his defensive prowess. That was at its most obvious in this game against the Lakers.

When Kristaps and New York took on the L.A. Lakers in December of 2016, he put his defense on full display, blocking D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and the rest of the squad an impressive 7 times in just under 40 minutes of game time. He also added 26 points and 12 rebounds just in case.

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