Kristaps Porzingis makes history in loss to Cavs
New York Knicks big man Kristaps Porzingis has gone where no NBA rookie has ever gone before.
The 20-year-old Latvian scored 19 points and grabbed six rebounds Saturday night in a 107-93 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. While the Knicks came up short in their quest for their third win in a row, Porzingis' performance put him in a place statistically where he stands alone.
Porzingis is the first rookie in NBA history to score more than 1,000 points, grab over 500 rebounds, convert at least 75 shots from 3-point range, and block more than 100 shots.
It should be noted, though, that 3-pointers weren't recorded until the line was introduced in 1979. Also, the league started counting blocks in 1974.
Through 71 games, Porzingis has 1,012 points, 516 rebounds, 79 3-pointers, and 131 blocks. He ranks third among first-year players in points per game (14.3), second in rebounds (7.3), and first in rejections (1.8).
- with h/t to Basketball-Reference.com