Porzingis leading his team like a true MVP

In 1970 New York Knicks power forward Willis Reed Jr. exploded on the NBA scene, averaging 21.7 points a game and a little over 12 rebounds. That year he led the Knicks to an NBA championship and also was named the NBA All-star game MVP, the regular season MVP, and the NBA Finals MVP. After 47 years the Knicks have not been able to claim another MVP. That all may change thanks to the truly amazing play of Kristaps Porzingis.

Porzingis: future MVP?

Kristaps Porzingis has been dominant this season for the Knicks. The young player has fully embraced his position as leader and face of the Knicks. There’s no real doubt that Porzingis will be an All-Star this season. He has played extremely well, currently sitting fourth in the league in scoring with 27.6 points per game while shooting 47.2% from the field. Additionally he’s grabbing 7.1 rebounds per game and bolstering the Knicks’ defense with 2.3 blocks per game. If he was doing this while his team was losing then there wouldn’t be much of a conversation. The Knicks however, are winning.

No “I” in Team

As of Wednesday, the New York Knicks successfully entrenched themselves as sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, tied wit the Philadelphia 76ers. Porzingis has been both a leader and a force for New York, moving them up the ranks. The overwhelming support he’s received from his team, especially from Enes Kanter, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Frank Ntilikina, cannot be discounted. In the majority of their wins, the Knicks have made a noticeable effort to dominate the boards. All the while, the team has been trying to a play tough defense to force turnovers and protect the basket. The coaching staff has done a great job of evenly spreading the minutes around to make sure the top guys can stay in the game when it counts. The Knicks have figured out a way to remain consistent, which translated into their 9-7 record.

While other teams still may not consider the Knicks a threat, the team is looking to quietly make the playoffs this season. That effort is based on the play of Porzingis, who is making quite the case for himself as an MVP contender. He has revitalized New York in a year where most believed that the team would remain at the bottom of the standings. It is too early to call it, but Porzingis is playing like an MVP. The Knicks will take on the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night in hopes of continuing their great play. Thus far, Porzingis and his Knicks have found a way to win and wish to continue that trend as the season goes on. New York fans can’t help but love the effort.