Kristaps Porzingis scores career-high 35 points as Knicks win second straight

A photo posted by New York Knicks 🏀 (@nyknicks) on Nov 16, 2016 at 7:10pm PST

Kristaps Porzingis scored 25 of his total 35 points in the first half and helped the Knicks win their second straight game, 105-102 last against the Detroit Pistons, at the Garden. Chants of “MVP” could already be heard from the stands but the 7 ft 3 Latvian considers that it’s still early.

“Too early. It’s too early. It’s the New York crowd. Of course, they did the same thing last year when I had the 29..”

– Kristaps Porzingis

However, he definitely enjoys this as the smile was visible on his face after every major bucket. Porzingis spent 40 minutes on the court and wasn’t benched in the fourth quarter, like he was in Detroit; to his 35 points he added 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block.

Carmelo Anthony followed, with 22 points, while Joakim Noah logged 15 boards and 7 rebounds.

The Knicks took control of the game in the second quarter and rarely allowed the Pistons to get close, but in the final minute of the game the visitors had a thrill of pride as Ish Smith‘s and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope‘s three pointers narrowed the gap to just two points. Derrick Rose was fouled with three seconds on the clock and connected only the second free throw.

On the final play, the Pistons got the open look but Pope’s attempt to send the game in OT hits the rim and the Knicks walk away with the win.

Justin Holiday had another strong performance and even if he didn’t start the second quarter, he finished the game playing. Holiday scored 9 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and tipped the ball to Courtney Lee in a decisive moment, after Anthony missed a two pointer.The Pistons would’ve had 7 seconds left to win the game, if it hadn’t been for him.