NEW YORK, Dec. 3, 2015 –- The New York Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis and the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns today were named the Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Rookies of the Month, respectively, for games played in October and November.
Porzingis, 20, the fourth pick in NBA Draft 2015 presented by State Farm, ranked third among all rookies in scoring (13.7 ppg) and was second in rebounding (9.3 rpg) and blocked shots (1.89 bpg) for October and November. The 7-3 forward/center from Latvia also tied Towns for the rookie lead in double-doubles with eight, including a 29-point, 11-rebound effort Nov. 17 in a 102-94 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. On Nov. 21, Porzingis finished with 24 points, 14 rebounds and seven blocks in a 107-102 win over the Houston Rockets, becoming the first rookie to reach those totals since Tim Duncan in 1998.
Here is a recap of the month for Porzingis:
Nov. 17 vs. Charlotte: Scored a rookie season high of 29 points (on 10-of-17 shooting from the field) and grabbed 11 rebounds in a 102-94 victory over the Hornets.
Nov. 21 @ Houston: Recorded 24 points, 14 rebounds and seven blocks in a 107-102 win over the Rockets.
Nov. 23 vs. Miami: Posted 20 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks in a 95-78 loss to the Heat.