Kristaps Porzingis has become the Knicks' new savior, dominating opponents on a regular basis this season while no longer in Carmelo Anthony's shadow.
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Knicks fans appreciate Porzingis' efforts so much that they have been filling Madison Square Garden with MVP chants. While it's a little early for that, Porzingis has some goals set in place this season.
"My goals for the season were most improved player of the year," Porzingis said, via ESPN.com . "I felt like I had an opportunity also not exactly this year — I want to get it this year (but) in my career I think I have the opportunity to win defensive player of the year and also the All-Star game is a goal for me individually. But all those things are going to come if we win games, so I'm happy as long as we're playing this way."
Porzingis has helped the Knicks (5-4) win five of their last six games by averaging 30.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, eclipsing 30 points in all but two games this season.
The Knicks were expected to struggle this season after trading Anthony to the Thunder during the offseason, but Porzingis' spirited play has helped New York look like a playoff contender.