The New York Knicks drafted an unknown Latvian with their fourth overall pick in 2016. At that time, fans were unimpressed by Kristaps Porzingis, but he quickly proved himself to be a star. He was on his way to be a franchise player but later requested a trade following poor results.
The Knicks sent him to the Mavericks, and since then, Knicks fans have been poking fun at him for his lack of success. Tonight, the Knicks beat Porzingis and the Mavericks once again, and fans took this opportunity to troll him on Twitter again.
Is it just me or has Porzingis gone from franchise player with Knicks to functional skilled big with the Mavs?
— Earl The Pearl Monroe (@RealEarlMonroe) April 17, 2021
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knicks fans watching the 7’3 $150M shooting guard kristaps porzingis get clamped up by 35 year old taj gibson pic.twitter.com/sB2rWVK79Z
— buckets (@buckets) April 17, 2021
Knicks seem to be attacking Porzingis on defense. Rose in particular.
— Ariel (@APachecoNBA) April 17, 2021
How many times will Porzingis lose to the Knicks in his career? pic.twitter.com/nSuUMK83d2
— EverythingKnicks (@EverythinKnicks) April 17, 2021
julius randle making us forget that kristaps porzingis ever played for the knicks
— . (@FutureNBA0wner) April 17, 2021
KNICKS ALL DAY!!!! First five game winning streak since 2014 and against Porzingis IMMA SLEEP REAL WELL TONIGHT BABYYYYYYYYY
— Samuel J Comroe (@SamuelJComroe) April 17, 2021
Put the Latvian packs in the sky the Knicks are 3-1 against the Mavs since the Porzingis trade
— JAME$ (@BROOKLYNx7EVEN) April 17, 2021
I missed the clause in the Kristaps Porzingis trade where Mavs agreed to struggle forever against the Knicks
— Saad Yousuf (@SaadYousuf126) April 17, 2021
Knicks national TV win on Porzingis feels good man
— Verts (@_Verts) April 17, 2021
The Knicks beat the Mavs 117-109, with Julius Randle putting in a phenomenal performance. The All-Star scored 44 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and also had seven assists. He displayed some excellent shooting as well, going 6-11 from the three-point line.
And for the Mavs, Porzingis wasn’t at his best. He had 23 points and 12 rebounds, but only shot 8-20 from the field and 2-8 from three. So Knicks fans would not only be happy for the win but also because of KP’s struggles.
Contrasting recent results for the Knicks and the Mavericks
Tonight’s win was the fifth in a row for the Knicks. They started their run with a win over the Grizzlies, followed by wins over the Raptors, Lakers, and the Pelicans in their last game.
But tonight’s win was the biggest of this run. Beating an MVP candidate in Luka Doncic and another star in Porzingis is not easy.
As for the Mavs, this was their third loss in the last five games. They won last night following an absurd three-point layup from Doncic but couldn’t continue their form.
The Knicks have relied on the outstanding form of Randle during this run. After two inefficient games, Randle went berserk in the following three.
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Not only is he contributing with his scoring and rebounding but also with his playmaking. He is arguably the best playmaker on the team, and although he generates a few extra turnovers at times, he gets their offense going.
They currently have a 30-27 record as they fight to make their way up the Eastern Conference standings. They are the sixth seed behind the Celtics and the Hawks but are just 0.5 games behind them.
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If they continue this form, the Knicks won’t need a play-in tournament to qualify for the playoffs, and it will be a huge sign of progress for the organization.
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