Knicks lose Kristaps Porzingis to torn ACL; ‘It’s sad, man,’ Carmelo Anthony says

NEW YORK (AP) — Kristaps Porzingis’ dunk wasn’t spectacular, certainly nothing like Giannis Antetokounmpo jumping over Tim Hardaway Jr. for a slam.

But the moment he landed, punching the court in pain , the Knicks’ playoff hopes had likely crumpled right along with him.

Porzingis tore the ACL in his left knee Tuesday night in the Knicks’ 103-89 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

He faces a 6-9 month recovery and will miss the NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 18.

Dr. Lisa Callahan giving injury update to Steve Mills and Scott Perry. They don’t look thrilled! For good reason! pic.twitter.com/0rHo7DzjuE

— Matt Spendley (@mattspendley) February 7, 2018

Antetokounmpo scored 23 points, jumping over Hardaway for one high-flying slam after Porzingis had dunked over him earlier in the game.

Porzingis crashed to the ground after his dunk with 8:46 left in the second quarter and was taken for an MRI exam that revealed his injury.

“More than a basketball player, he’s my brother,” Knicks center Enes Kanter said. “I don’t want to see anyone going down like that hurting his knee. He’s about to be an All-Star. I’m just going to pray for him tonight. He is the most important part of our family.”

Enes Kanter looks to be inconsolable on the Knicks bench, presumably over the loss and the KP injury. pic.twitter.com/uYnyxdPKRA

— Matt Spendley (@mattspendley) February 7, 2018

Courtney Lee added 14 points for the Knicks, who have lost four straight, tying their longest skid of the season.

“I think went K.P. went down, it kind of deflated us some,” Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek said. “He is a big part of the things we do. No one is going to feel sorry for you when your guys are out, so you have to step it up.”

Carmelo Anthony, Porzingis’ former teammate, said he felt for Porzingis as a friend, and a brother.

“Yea, it’s sad, man. It’s sad,” Anthony said when asked about Porzingis.

“I wanted to reach out to him, but I’ll reach out to him tonight. It’s just sad to know that injury, the type of year he’s been having, the growth that he’s had over the past couple years and even this season.”

Carmelo Anthony on Kristaps Porzingis’ injury: “It’s sad, man.” Said he hasn’t reached out, but will soon. pic.twitter.com/U0AHOy9uPH

— Royce Young (@royceyoung) February 7, 2018

He added that the two remain close despite Anthony’s trade from the Knicks to the Thunder in September.

“As a friend, as a little brother—to see anybody go through that—but to see him have to deal with that, it’s tough to see and tough to watch,” he said.

LeBron James also Tweeted his best wishes.

Was hoping for the best news when I saw the play after the game. ??‍♂️!! Best wishes and have a speedy healthy recovery @kporzee!! #InjuriesSuch??

— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 7, 2018

Photo: AP

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