Skip to content

Porzingis on ankle sprain: I heal so quickly 'they call me the lizard'

Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

Kristaps Porzingis isn't sweating a right ankle sprain that kept him sidelined for all but three minutes of Wednesday's matchup with the Miami Heat.

The New York Knicks 7-footer exited early in the first quarter after Heat wing Justise Winslow stepped on his foot as the two went after a loose ball. Porzingis didn't return, though his X-rays came back negative.

With his team not playing until Sunday against the Orlando Magic, he's optimistic he'll be ready to compete by then.

"I hope it's next game. I hope I can ... they call me 'the lizard' because I recover so quickly from things," said Porzingis postgame, via ESPN. "So hopefully it's nothing too big. I'm going to get treatment, stay on top of this, and hopefully the lizard can be ready for Sunday."

Enes Kanter isn't one to compare the 22-year-old to a reptile, though, preferring to stick with the mystical creature he's long been connected to.

"He's good," Kanter said. "He's a strong unicorn."

New York was in control from start to finish, maintaining a huge lead throughout to blow out Miami 115-86. They snapped a three-game losing streak and are now 11-10 on the season.

Porzingis ranked fourth in the Association in scoring (27 points) and first in blocks (2.2) prior to tipoff.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox