Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic doesn't think Mavs power forward Kristaps Porzingis deserved to be booed by New York Knicks fans on Thursday.
Porzingis was loudly booed by the Knicks crowd in the player introductions and every time he touched the ball. Chants of “KP sucks,” “Go back to Latvia” and “Traitor” were also screamed.
“It was really tough for him,” Doncic said, via Malika Andrews of ESPN. “I don't think he deserved it. He gave a lot to the Knicks. They booed him at the draft. I don't think he deserves this, in my point of view, but he handed it professionally and I am really proud of him.”
Porzingis requested a trade from the Knicks last season. New York traded him to the Mavs on January 31, 2019.
Article Continues BelowThe Mavs dropped to 6-5 on the season after losing the Knicks. Two of Dallas' five losses on the season have come to New York.
Doncic is putting up MVP-type numbers right now for the Mavs. He's averaging 28.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 9.3 assists. Porzingis, meanwhile, is putting up 18.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists. He's still trying to find his rhythm after missing all of last season recovering from his ACL tear.
The Mavs will look to get back in the win column on Saturday when they host the Toronto Raptors.