Porzingis, Knicks hold off Ball’s Lakers with thrilling OT victory
LaVar Ball stalked the Garden sidelines in his bright red “Big Baller” shirt and matching sneakers, and Magic Johnson lit up celebrity row with his smile.
But the visitors’ Hollywood star power and gold uniforms couldn’t stop Kristaps Porzingis and rookie point guard Frank Ntilikina from lighting up the Lakers at the Garden. Yes, “The Franchise” and “The Frenchise’’ led the Knicks to a thrilling 113-109 overtime victory Tuesday night.
Porzingis poured in 37 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, registered five blocks and made 5-of-8 3-pointers — a landmark set of numbers. Ntilikina, who doesn’t make national headlines like his fellow 19-year-old rookie Lonzo Ball, rose to the challenge, running the show expertly down the stretch, striking for clutch jumpers, finishing with 13 points — shooting 3-of-4 from 3-point range — and five assists.
“It was a long, entertaining game,’’ Porzingis said. “It was a good show for the fans.’’
Porzingis is the first player in NBA history to hit for more than 35 points, five blocks, 10 rebounds and five 3-pointers — a unicorn set of statistics.
“It’s an honor. I’m capable of doing something that’s never been done,’’ Porzingis said. “But it doesn’t help us make the playoffs. I want to do something big as a team.”
The besting of Ball was Ntilikina’s third straight smooth game, breaking out emphatically from a nearly three-week funk. Michael Beasley (13 points) also had three big hoops in overtime, scoring 11 of his 13 points in the fourth and OT as the Knicks moved to 14-13.
As for Lonzo Ball, his father was in and out of his seat on celebrity row, next to his sons LiAngelo and LaMelo. The eldest son had his moments, especially during a hot third quarter in his Garden debut. Ball scored 17 points (6-of-13), with six assists and eight rebounds.
“Frank deserved his minutes tonight,’’ Porzingis said. ‘ He hit big shots, played well. It was fun to watch them going at each other — two rookies with a lot of talent. I enjoy Lonzo’s game. He is not selfish. He definitely showed up tonight.’’
Ball paid his respects to his Knicks counterpart, selected six notches after the Lakers’ point guard.
“He’s a great player,’’ Ball said of Ntilikina. “He’s young, just like me, playing in a big city and trying to find his way. Much respect to him, and all the best moving forward. It would have been nice if we got a win but it was very eventful.’’
At halftime, Spike Lee walked over to LaVar Ball to hug him. Then Amar’e Stoudemire said hello. Then LaVar watched his son soar. Ball had a huge third quarter. He started his roll stealing the ball from Enes Kanter, leading to a fast-break bucket for Brook Lopez. Ball then scored seven straight points — an alley-oop slam, a 3-pointer and a driving layup — that got his father out of his seat, dancing and high-fiving fans behind him. “He’s out there rooting for his son,’’ Ntilikina said. “That’s great.”
Ntilikina, who played the final 21 minutes, quieted Ball the rest of the way, saying he was willing to give him the 3-ball but not penetration.
“It’s more giving his three-point shot,’’ he said. “He can obviously make shots, but we know he’s unbelievable at dishing the ball.’’
In OT, on the go-ahead hoop, Ntilikina whipped a beautiful pass to Doug McDermott underneath. McDermott blew the lay-up but Beasley tipped it home for a 105103 lead with 2:33 left they never relinquished.
“He doesn’t shy away from the pressure,’’ Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek said. “He has the mentality of a great basketball player.’’
Shaking off three airballs in the fourth, Porzingis came alive again, hitting a tough baseline jumper for a 97-92 lead with 2:00 left, then sinking a foul-line jumper for a 99-94 bulge with 1:22 left. But the Knicks blew it all.
Lakers fans erupted as their other rookie, Kyle Kuzma, bagged a 3-pointer from the left wing, knotting the score at 99 with 23.9 seconds left. On the final possession, Porzingis was fouled intentionally with 4.5 seconds left — a non-shooting foul. The Knicks inbounded and a desperation 3-pointer by Porzingis clanked off the rim, bringing on overtime.
“I’m capable of shooting over guys, but it wasn’t a good look,’’ Porzingis said. “I had to shoot it. Next time we’ll find an easier shot.’’