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The story of Friday night’s contest between the Knicks and Maverick was nearly an easily-penned story of the heroics of Luka Doncic (38 points) and former Knick Kristaps Porzingis (28 points).
The longest-tenured Knick, however, refused to let that happen. I’m referring to Frank Ntilikina, the 21-year-old former bust who has risen like a goddamn phoenix since being inserted into the starting lineup a few games ago. Mr. Ntillmatic led the ‘Bockers to a thrilling 106-102 win on the strength of an all-around wonderful performance: 14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 3 blocks.
Frank put the Knicks on his back when some shoddy play by the reserves left New York nursing a fourth-quarter deficit. This block-and-three stretch from Frank — perhaps the single finest moment from any Knick this season — put the Mavs on notice that the Knicks would not go quietly.
This sequence @FrankLikina | #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/7ikXd55Dyh
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 9, 2019
Frank then hit a step-back jumper to give the Knicks a 92-90 lead.
OH MY GOD FRANK IS PUTTING THE TEAM ON HIS BACK WHAT IS HAPPENING pic.twitter.com/aA9AO4vCt5
— Posting and Toasting (@ptknicksblog) November 9, 2019
He missed his next few shots, but his defense was superb even by Frank standards.
Frank for DPOY?
— Posting and Toasting (@ptknicksblog) November 9, 2019
Frank for DPOY. pic.twitter.com/tA2Z6P4QBc
Just for fun, let’s look at that one block from another angle.
Strap a TV to my tombstone and loop this forever pic.twitter.com/InaKkFJtur
— Posting and Toasting (@ptknicksblog) November 9, 2019
We would be remiss to neglect the efforts of Marcus Morris, who led the Knicks with 29 points.
Julius Randle wasn’t necessarily at his best throughout, but he did come up with 21 points and the game-sealing offensive rebound.
RJ misses 2 free throws and Randle maybe just saved the game with this O-board pic.twitter.com/2lTv43OfeB
— Posting and Toasting (@ptknicksblog) November 9, 2019
(Nice box-out, KP.)
LOOK AT THIS MOVE!
Frank puts Doncic in a BLENDER and then feeds Julius for 3️⃣ pic.twitter.com/vf00xptGv5
— Posting and Toasting (@ptknicksblog) November 9, 2019
We love you, Frank. Recap to come.