Kristaps Porzingis Comments on Dwight Howard After Rockets vs. Knicks
New York Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis has had his share of highlight-reel plays, but he was on the wrong end of one in Sunday's 116-111 overtime loss to the Houston Rockets when Dwight Howard dunked on him to kick off the overtime period.
After the game, Porzingis said he was keen to tag Howard back when the two face off again next season.
"He dunked on me; he got me. I was asking [my teammates], 'When is the next game against Houston? I want to get him back,'" said Porzingis, per ESPN New York's Ian Begley. "You know, it happens. He's a great player. I'm looking forward to playing next time against him."
Getting revenge on Howard is healthy motivation, but one could understand why the 20-year-old Latvian would want to face Houston again as soon as possible, posterization aside.
Two of Porzingis' best games as a pro came against the Rockets. In the first meeting, a 107-102 New York victory on Nov. 21, he had 24 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and seven blocks. Howard didn't play in that contest, but even on Sunday, Porzingis managed to score 20 and pull down 13 boards with two blocks.
If New York's No. 4 overall pick can continue playing at the surprisingly high level he has to date, his rookie season won't be defined by one play. The most exciting aspect of this subplot will be seeing just how far along Porzingis is in his development when he encounters Howard again.
