Nov 10, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward
Kristaps Porzingis(6) looks on from the bench against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
One of the biggest match-ups of the season
After getting booed in New York City when he was selected by the New York Knicks, Kristaps Porzingis has put on a show. Knicks fans have suddenly forgotten that they booed the Latvian player, and are embracing him with open arms.
Porzingis is in high contention for the Rookie of the Year award alongside players like Karl Anthony-Towns and the Sixers’ very own, Jahlil Okafor.
December 2nd marks the first time Okafor and Porzingis are facing off, and it’s bound to be a showdown. Some of the most exciting Sixers games all year have been ones that Jah has had a big matchup in.
Here’s Jahlil’s stat-lines against some of his biggest opponents so far this year.
- Pau Gasol and the Chicago Bulls: 21 points, 15 rebounds.
- Jonas Valanciunas and the Toronto Raptors: 26 points, 7 rebounds.
- Against Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs: 21 points, 12 rebounds.
- Against Hassan Whiteside and the Miami Heat: 16 points, 11 rebounds.
- Against Karl Anthony-Towns and the Minnesota Timberwolves: 25 points, 12 rebounds.
Next: Sixers Fans Forgot About Carl Landry
So far this season, Kristaps is averaging 13.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. It should be an exciting match to see, and one of the best rookie ones of the year.
I personally think Okafor will put on a show and be able to have a big game against yet another powerful big man, but only time will tell us how it will go.