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Big outputs from Kristaps Porzingis in losses will be common – Metro US

Big outputs from Kristaps Porzingis in losses will be common

Knicks news: Latest on Kristaps Porzingis back injury
It’s not much of a surprise that the New York Knicks have started the season 0-2, though the fashion in which they lost their home opener on Saturday night was a reminder that this franchise can indeed reach new lows. 
 
After leading by as much as 21 points at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks were outscored 60-43 in the second half on their way to a 111-107 loss. 
 
The four-point loss was minuscule compared to an opening night in Oklahoma City when the Knicks were absolutely wrecked by the Thunder and former teammate Carmelo Anthony in a 105-84 decision. 
 
As usual, the one lone bright spot of the Knicks’ troubled start has been Kristaps Porzingis, who officially is the face of this franchise after Anthony was traded during the offseason. 
 
Against the Thunder, Porzingis put up a double-double with 31 points and 12 rebounds while shooting 44 percent from the floor. 
 
At the Garden against Detroit, the Latvian’s shooting percentage went up by 11 points as he dropped 33 with a treble of three-pointers. 
 
While the defense has already allowed 215 combined points in their first two games, which is an enormous problem in itself, Porzingis is getting little offensive support. 
 
Through two games, Enes Kanter is the Knicks’ second-leading scorer with just 13.5 points per game, which is near the output expected from the center after he was acquired from the Thunder in the Anthony deal.
 
Tim Hardaway Jr. is having a pedestrian start, putting up a combined 22 points through two games this season. Had he not signed a four-year, $71 million contract this summer, this might not be such a large concern, but his performances will be put under a microscope because of that deal.
 
Other than Kyle O’Quinn, no other Knick has a scoring average of over 6.5 points through two games, which means it will likely be the norm this season to see Porzingis put up big nights in losing efforts.