This may have been the most meaningful game for Knick’s fans since the 2013-14 season. It was time to see what all that losing had bought them, and if Phil Jackson had made the right bet. The curtain would finally be raised on the mysterious Latvian.

The first thing that stuck out was how freaking big Porzingis is. The height listings ranged from 7-1 to 7-3, but he looked closer to the latter on the court. Combine that with his 7-6 wingspan, and Zinger has the ability to affect shots without even jumping.

Early in the game Porzingis blocked Kyle Anderson’s shot, but showed his youth by biting on a pump fake and picking up a foul. It was clear that Porzingis had a positive impact on the defensive end. He moves very well laterally, able to effectively hedge on pick-and-rolls. Just his sheer size and length was an advantage on the defensive end, altering Spurs shots.

On the offensive end, Porzingis was able to hit a bank shot and a couple of awkward baskets. He mistimed a jump on an alley-oop attempt for Grant, but still managed to score due his length. The other, a leaner he managed to bank in. Porzingis looked comfortable taking a three from 4 feet beyond the arc. He missed, but got fouled on the play. That was a common theme for the Latvian who converted six of his seven free throw attempts. There were a couple of opportunities where he was open off pick-and-pops, but didn’t get the ball. He also showed off his playmaking, with a really nice pocket pass to Grant along the baseline, which led to a foul. In just 18 minutes, Porzingis was able to score an efficient 12 points.

All in all, the Porzingis project took a step in the right direction. It’s well documented that he needs to put on weight. His lack of strength will likely limit him to fadeaway jumpers in the post this year. The Knicks will have to play him exclusively at the stretch four, so he doesn’t get exposed by low-post oriented big men on defense. But we learned one thing for sure, Porzingis’ talent is for real. His combination of size, athleticism and shot making ability were on display. Porzingis probably won’t even start opening day, but for the first time awhile the Knicks have something to look forward to. He was already turning some boos into cheers at Summer League.

The Porzingis highlights and game interviews are available below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GWrD9U-9i4

Other Notes:

  • Cleanthony Early was the best player on the floor for the Knicks. He looked much more aggressive and confident than all of last year. When he made the decision to attack, he went without hesitation to the rim. Early was especially dangerous in transition and made a couple of threes. If he continues to play like this, Early could get into the rotation this year.
  • Jerian Grant looked a bit rusty. He went 1 of 6 from the field, and recorded 3 turnovers. Grant left his feet early while passing multiple times. It led to two of his turnovers, and should have been three, but Porzingis turned one into an assist. He was able to get to the line 10 times to make up for his poor shooting. Made good passes when he stayed on his feet, including an outlet pass to Early that resulted in an and-one.
  • Langston Galloway was comfortable orchestrating the offense. There were a couple of plays that could have gone helter skelter, but he pulled the ball out and restarted the offense. Knocked down a three and mid-range jumper.
  • Thanasis Antetkounmpo somehow managed a -23 in his 14 minutes on the floor of a winning effort for the Knicks. He’s very active defensively, but has absolutely no offensive game. He’ll need to develop a shot to stay on the floor. Not a lock to make the roster, may need to go overseas.
  • Ricky Ledo was able to create his own offense. Despite playing just 12 minutes, he was able to record 8 points and 2 steals. There is promise there, he can grab one of the Knicks last roster spots.
  • Maurice N’Dour is long and athletic. He ran the floor well, and was able to finish an alley-oop in transition. N’Dour also knocked down a couple of mid-range jumpers in the second half. He played solid defensively and had two blocks. Intriguing prospect who has a chance to make the roster.
  • Louis Labeyrie looked nervous out there to start the game, but managed to look more comfortable in the second half. Got an offensive rebound and putback. Played just 8 minutes, too little to get a proper read on his game.