(The Sports Xchange) – For the second time in three days, it took until the mid-fourth quarter for Madison Square Garden to come alive.Once it did, t
(The Sports Xchange) – For the second time in three days, it took until the mid-fourth quarter for Madison Square Garden to come alive.
Once it did, though, the legendary arena rocked as it hasn&rsquo-t in years.
And this time, the New York Knicks were coming back from a 19-point deficit instead of trying to hold onto a big lead.
The Knicks eventually overcame Indiana on Sunday night for a 108-101 win after the Pacers led by more than 10 points for much of the game.
With 3:26 remaining, Kristaps Porzingis hit a leaning jumper while drawing a foul. The Latvian drew chants of &ldquo-MVP! MVP!&rdquo- as he sank the free throw, giving New York its first lead since just over three minutes remained in the first quarter.
Soon after, he capped off one of the great all-around NBA performances in more than three decades, finishing with a career-high 40 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter, as the Knicks (5-4) won for the fifth time in six games.
Porzingis, who added eight rebounds, six blocks and two 3-pointers — the first 40-5-5-2 NBA performance since 1983-84 — exploded for 10 points in a five-minute stretch to start the final quarter, which the Knicks entered trailing 84-72.
Porzingis made 15 of 24 shots from the field and hit 8 of 9 free throws, concluding a week in which he also put up games of 38 (then a career high) and 37 points.
Porzingis said he was happy to play the role of team leader, even with the extra attention it brings from opposition defenses.
&ldquo-I’m very comfortable,” he said, according to the New York Post. &rdquo-I’m seeing a different type of defense almost every night. No matter who I’m playing against they’re trying to be physical with me.”
Knick coach Jeff Hornacek heaped praise on Porzingis.
&ldquo-He&rsquo-s got great confidence when he&rsquo-s shooting,&rdquo- Hornacek said.
&ldquo-We figured out a way to get him the ball. He&rsquo-s playing great. On defense, he came in there and got one really good block. Can&rsquo-t argue with the way he&rsquo-s playing.&rdquo-
Tim Hardaway Jr. (16 points) and rookie first-round pick Frank Ntilikina (10) were the only other Knicks to score in double figures, though Enes Kanter added nine points and 18 rebounds.
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