The New York Knicks have resolved to make the most of the remainder of the season by playing their young pieces through the last 23 games after the All-Star break. With only 21 left coming into Monday's showdown at The Garden against the defending champion Golden State Warriors, coach Steve Kerr noted just how important the absence of Kristaps Porzingis has been for this team.

“He's the future of the Knicks,” Kerr said. “Obviously when anybody gets hurt, especially marquee guys, who people came out to see. He's a brilliant talent, a great player, we all wish him well.”

“I personally want the Knicks to do well. The better the Knicks are, the better the NBA is.”

Porzingis suffered a torn left ACL after dunking past Giannis Antetokounmpo on Feb. 6, landing awkwardly and clutching his left knee in pain after scoring the bucket.

The unicorn was averaging a career-high 22.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and a league-leading 2.4 blocks per game before suffering the injury, which could set him out for as long as 10 months, according to earlier reports.

“Hopefully he gets back soon, moves past this and continues to have a great career,” said forward Kevin Durant, who would draw the defensive matchup against the longer Porzingis, if he was taking part in the game.

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Kristaps Porzingis
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The Knicks have now lost nine of their last 10 games, despite shaking off an eight-game skid against the Orlando Magic coming off the break.

“If you don’t have talented players (and) if you don’t have healthy players, it’s hard to win,” added Kerr.

Jeff Hornacek has been intent in playing his young assets for the remainder of the season, showcasing the likes of recently-acquired Emmanuel Mudiay, rookie Frank Ntilikina, and Trey Burke.