The New York Knicks face off against the Golden State Warriors Thursday night, and Kristaps Porzingis has a tough matchup. He’ll be facing off against Draymond Green, who is perhaps the frontrunner to win Defensive Player of the Year. During Porzingis’ rookie season last year, two of his worst games came while being primarily defended by Green. According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, Porzingis feels that he’s ready this time around:
“Right after the game was over (last season) I was thinking when was the next time we were going to get a chance to play against them,” he said. “I’m ready for him.”
Carmelo Anthony offered his advice:
“He’s going to try to be physical with him, he’s going to talk the way Draymond talks. Don’t feed into it,” Anthony said. “It’s just Draymond’s passion for the game of basketball. It’s nothing personal. I’ve dealt with it all summer (on the Olympic team). Just be ready for that. I’m pretty sure it’s a matchup Draymond is looking forward to. And as a competitor like KP, he’s looking forward to that matchup.”
In two matchups against Green and the Warriors last season, Porzingis averaged eight points on 21% shooting from the floor. However, Porzingis is much improved this season. Heading into the game in Oakland, Porzingis is averaging 20.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. He’s also shooting 45.9% from the field and 39.9% from three-point range.
