The Knicks — and all of their fans — can breathe again.
Kristaps Porzingis was diagnosed with a sprained right ankle after X-rays were negative Wednesday night, the team announced, which must be considered the best-case scenario after the future of the franchise had limped off the court following what appeared to be a nasty injury.
The play happened with about 9:40 on the clock in the first quarter against the Heat as Porzingis was trying to chase down a rebound.
The Heat’s Justise Winslow stepped on Porzingis’ right foot, and television replays showed Porzingis’ ankle turning all the way over.
A hush went over the Garden crowd.
Porzingis stayed in a seated position out of bounds, and Knicks teammates immediately called for the trainers. Willy Hernangomez helped support Porzingis as he stepped gingerly into the tunnel.
Porzingis was available to return to the game, according to the Knicks, though more likely they would count their blessings and give their future All-Star the rest of the night off.
Winslow was one of the players the Knicks considered with the No. 4 pick when they selected Porzingis in the 2015 NBA Draft. The Heat tabbed Winslow six spots later.