After the New York Knicks traded Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder prior to the 2017-18 NBA season, President Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry finally embraced a full rebuild around Kristaps Porzingis. While most basketball fans expected the Knicks to lose a lot, they are currently 10-8, which is the eighth-best record in the Eastern Conference.

In the 116-104 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Porzingis let the frustrations get the best of him after cursing and nearly throwing the basketball at a referee according to Bleacher Report:

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr (10) reacts after a made basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at Toyota Center.
Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. secures $122 million contract extensionRichard Pereira ·
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has some newcomers via the 2025 NBA Draft class.
LA Clippers 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickLorenzo J Reyna ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) signals to teammates during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center.
Bobby Marks details why Lakers’ LeBron James trade to Cavs won’t be easyRichard Pereira ·
Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley (13) during NBA Finals Media Day at Paycom Center.
Pacers make contract decision on surprise playoff contributorAbdullah Imran ·
Featured image Elfrid Payton
Pelicans declining team option on assists-per-minute leaderDylan Fine ·
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Rockets emerge as serious Dorian Finney-Smith suitorLorenzo J Reyna ·

With the Hawks tied for the second-worst record in the entire league, it was a bad loss for the Knicks. Although New York has a winning record through 18 games, there will be growing pains during the course of an 82-game season.

As for Porzingis, he has seamlessly become head coach Jeff Hornacek's first option. While the former fourth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft will continue to develop as a vocal leader, he is currently leading by example. In 17 appearances, Porzingis is averaging 27.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in 33.1 minutes.

Following the disappointing loss to the Hawks, it does not get any easier for the Knicks as they host the Houston Rockets.