Willy Hernangomez a work in progress on defensive end: Willy Hernangomez has been better than expected, a reliable offensive contributor, whose game and importance have grown with Joakim Noah injured and now facing a 20-game ban for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. But Hernangomez knows he needs to improve defensively, and either challenge shots or foul someone to avoid an easy basket. “I have to be way more focused on defense,” Hernangomez said after scoring a career-high 24 points with 13 rebounds in Saturday’s 106-98 loss to the Spurs. -- Newsday
Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez tandem, despite flaws, best thing Knicks have going on during disappointing season: No matter where they are on the road, Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez manage to find lockers next to each other — partners in American assimilation, foreign language, video games and now on the same starting NBA frontcourt.