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Porzingis: 'Doesn't really matter' who leads Knicks

Noah K. Murray / USA TODAY Sports

With each gargantuan step in his development, the cries grow louder.

The claim is trumpeted by many, that the New York Knicks now belong to Kristaps Porzingis, not Carmelo Anthony. There should be a supposed transfer of power since Porzingis represents the future of the Knicks.

The man himself hears that noise, but Porzingis thinks it's silly.

"I don’t really react to it," Porzingis told ESPN's Ian Begley. "That’s not something I’m worried about. I read social media and Twitter and all that. But a lot of that is just in and out. And I don’t really pay attention to it.

"It doesn’t really matter. All that really matters is (to) win games. And as long as we’re winning it’s not going to be a debate about whose team is it or whatever. So that’s the main focus."

In terms of production, the two stars aren't far apart. Porzingis is averaging 20.9 points with 7.1 rebounds to Anthony's 22.7 points and 6.4 rebounds and both players are getting plenty of shots (24.5 percent usage for Porzingis, 29.5 percent for Anthony).

The Knicks' rotation sees Porzingis carry the scoring load with the second unit, while Anthony remains the go-to guy with the starters. Staggering their minutes has given the Knicks a respectable offense (14th in offensive efficiency) while also allowing each player to get their touches.

Down the stretch, Anthony and point guard Derrick Rose mostly dominate the ball, but that setup mirrors most NBA teams. Ball-handlers tend to operate most possessions in close games, and to Rose and Anthony's credit, both have delivered of late.

It's like Porzingis said - it really doesn't doesn't matter who's team it is.

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