By Yiannis Bouranis/info@eurohoops.net
The match between the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks saw the Dallas’ squad prevailing over their opponents, however one of the things that stand out was the battle between the veteran Dirk Nowitzki and the rookie Kristaps Porzingis! The great German ended the game with 25 points (on 9 for 18 shooting), while, at the same time, the Latvian once again proved his great potential, as he scored 28 points (on 13 for 18 shooting).
Afterwards, many reporters asked Nowitzki about his opinion for the young Latvian, as the 20-year-old player has been compared to Nowitzki often in his rookie season: “The comparisons are absolutely correct and logical. Porzingis is more than impressive. When I was 20 years old, I was scared to death. He is almost averaging a double-double, so the comparison is unfair to me,” said Dirk.
“We’ve said it before. He’s tougher than you think. He’s long. He’s athletic. He can put the ball on the floor. The sky is the limit for this kid, not only because he’s good but also because I heard he lives and breathes basketball. He stays in the gym, he works hard and doesn’t let all this hype here get to his head.”
Kristaps Porzingis also commented on what Nowitzki said about him: “He respects me. This shows that maybe one day I may be as great as he is. I have to keep on working, hoping that I will prove him right and become the great player he said I can become.”
Here is a video of their battle: