NEW YORK — In the first ever showdown between Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Kristaps Porzingis, of New York Knicks fame; the number one and four picks respectively of the 2015 NBA Draft; both players were stellar in their own right. Anthony Towns aka KAT had 25 points and 10 rebounds. Porzingis aka KP finished with 11 points, 6 rebounds and an incredible 7 blocked shots. The Knicks won 107-102.
It is clear at this juncture in their careers that Towns is the superior offensive threat and Porzingis is a better defender. But as both players work on improving on their weaknesses they just might even out as both vie toward superstardom. “He’s talented and proved it again in this game,” KAT said of KP. “He’s a versatile player and I can’t wait to be playing against him for the next 20 years plus.”
“That matchup, that’s going to be here for a while,” Carmelo Anthony said of Porzingis and Towns.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duicOV0sLyE
With this age of small ball getting all of the attention and rightfully so as there are some incredible under the rim players in the Steph Curry’s, Kyrie Irving’s and Damian Lillard’s of the world you and on fire. But, there are a wealth of young big men that are gracing the NBA arenas all across the country.
Towns’s game is ready for prime offensively. He’s a load down low but he can also venture out to the three-point land. Porzingis plays defense well because of his incredible footwork and length. He’s not known to do a lot of jumping all over the place on the perimeter. He’s able to block shots and disrupt passing angles because he’s a legitimate 7-3 inches.
Porzingis seemed to excel at center and was asked by coach Derek Fisher if he would be there more often. “It depends on the night. There are nights where it works out well for us. Kris’ shot blocking abilities and his ability to rebound allows us to get away from that. I think we are still searching offensively…how do we take advantage of him at the center spot.”
Both players are incredibly kind, talkative and warm and well beyond their 20 years of age. And with that, the NBA is in good hands for years to come. Next up for the Knicks and Porzingis, Jahlil Okafor and the Philadelphia 76ers.
You can follow Jerald on Twitter @JerryHoover65