KRIS HAS HIT A WALL
After loss to Wizards, KP says he’s ‘tired’
WASHINGTON – Kristaps Porzingis is quickly learning that holding the unofficial title of franchise player has its drawbacks. At the very least, he should be gaining a greater appreciation for Carmelo Anthony.
It’s a mental and physical challenge to carry a team on a nightly basis, and following the Knicks’ second loss in 24 hours, Porzingis admitted that the grind is getting to him.
“I’m tired,” the 22-year-old forward said following Wash- ington’s 121-103 victory on Wednesday.
Porzingis scored just two points in the second half as the Knicks were outscored 57-40 over the final 24 minutes en route to their sixth loss in their last seven games.
It’s not easy being “the guy.” It’s an 82-game job that includes the occasional back-to-back and thriving at it is what separates superstars from role players in the NBA.
“It’s a back-to-back,” Porzingis said. “Not to make excuses but it’s always tougher to play the back-to-backs. I think it got to us. When it got tough, it was also tough mentally for us. Our energy just wasn’t there. They had three days rest and they came out fresh. We didn’t have it in the second half.”
When asked if he’s including himself for having low energy, Porzingis added: “Definitely. I’m tired. I’m tired. I’m so tired right now. I have one day now to rest my legs and then get back and play better and have more energy and also try and bring the team’s energy up.
“Also we’re in a tough stretch. The mental part doesn’t help at all. When it’s mentally tough you just don’t have it in you. It’s normal. It’s normal. It’s up and down. Get some rest, enjoy nice Miami weather and go try and win the Miami game.”
Porzingis finished with 16 points on 5-for-13 shooting, including 1-for-6 in the second half. Since returning from a minor injury, Porzingis has made just 54 of 150 shots over his last eight games.
The final result would have looked much worse if not for Michael Beasley coming off the bench to score 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter. But
Beasley isn’t supposed to be the guy bailing out the Knicks against a good team on the road. That’s Porzingis’ role.
Meanwhile, Washington’s multi-talented backcourt of Bradley Beal and John Wall scored 27 and 25, respectively, as Washington improved to 22-16. The Knicks are 18-20 overall and 3-13 on the road.
Beal has been Washington’s best player this season and is on pace to make his first All-Star team. Last season, Beal was under consideration as an injury replacement for Kevin Love in the All-Star Game, but NBA commissioner Adam Silver instead selected Anthony.
Beal brought the crowd to his feet when he wrong-footed Porzingis with a cross-over dribble that led to a step-back three. The basket extended the Wizards’ lead to 84-68 and compelled Jeff Hornacek to call time out.
The Wizards’ lead ballooned to 19 before Beasley gave the Knicks a chance. The Knicks twice closed to within 10 and both times Washington had a response, including Wall’s dunk with 3:07 remaining that sealed it. The Knicks conclude the three-game road trip with games in Miami on Friday and Dallas on Sunday. As they approach the midway point of the season and face a daunting road schedule, Porzingis’ admission could be a sign that the Knicks are still a year away from being a playoff contender.
It’s unfair to put it all on Porzingis’ shoulders. The Knicks certainly need more production out of their backcourt and defensively they were a mess on Wednesday against Washington. But Porzingis needs to do more as well. That’s what franchise players are required to do.
“It’s nothing to keep complaining about,” he said. “We just have to keep pushing forward get as much rest as I can and try to be as fresh as I can for every game.”