NEW YORK -- There was no ceremonious tribute video or standing ovation for the New York Knicks' former face of the franchise.
Kristaps Porzingis was booed while he went through warm-ups. Fans interrupted the national anthem and let out screams of "Go back to back to Latvia" and "Traitor."
Porzingis was forcibly booed during starting lineup introductions. He was booed every time he touched the ball and every time he took a shot. Sometimes, Porzingis was booed without any apparent reason.
This was the welcome Porzingis had expected. On Wednesday, Porzingis said that if social media were any indication, he expected a negative response.