Porzingis scored on jumpers and an uncontested layup off a feed from a double-teamed Carmelo Anthony in the first half. Kyle O’Quinn is also an option against the Cavaliers for head coach Derek Fisher. He played lively defense on Love, who shot 4-for-13. His intensity was on display during Monday night’s affair against the San Antonio Spurs as he notched his first-career double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Agains the Spurs, Jose Calderon and Sasha Vujacic combined to shoot 3-for-12 while Jerian Grant had 12 points on his own.
Advertisement
That, with a greater team-wide sense of urgency than what the Knicks often showed past year, kept New York within striking distance for most of a game that the Knicks would a season ago, been completely out of much sooner.
That is why the injury was a scary scene for the Knicks but the Latvian feeling well in their recent practice is a good sign, and it seems like there is really no major thing to worry about for the team and the fans. “We’re just not in that position”.
However, it will take time before consistency is seen each and every game.
Porzingis said his strained neck – sustained on Monday night vs. the Spurs when Anthony accidentally fell on his head under the basket – improved overnight and he’ll undergo one more evaluation following Wednesday morning’s shootaround at Quicken Loans Arena.
Porzingis didn’t seem too anxious, though, noting it’s just “stiffness” in his neck and that “it’s nothing serious”.
Porzingis’ small sample size has been impressive. “He is a young guy, but his skill set is there”.
Noticing a change in the Knicks overall, Duncan’s teammate, 24-year-old, 2014 National Basketball Association Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, said, “They’re finding a better rhythm coming off the bench and they’re moving the pace better”.
According to ESPN’s Ian Begley, Porzingis suffered a neck strain in a play that looked scarier than it ended up being.
“We’re going to fight regardless of what’s happening in the game”.
“A lot closer”, he said. Keep him in your active lineups.
“I think for [Porzingis], to play against the type of teams that we are playing against to start the season is gonna force him to raise up to another level – and if not, you can get embarrassed”, Fisher said.
“Guys believe in themselves, that’s how they get [to the NBA]”.
“We’re down 10, down five, they’re always supporting us”.
Advertisement
The Cavaliers have their own injury issues, including former Knicks J.R. Smith, who is not expected to play (knee), and Iman Shumpert, who is out a few months following wrist surgery.
