German-born center Ariel Hukporti had a wunderbar evening for the New York Knicks on Monday. The final pick of the most recent NBA Draft took advantage of early minutes against the Houston Rockets, securing a highlight-reel worthy block of imposing opponent Steven Adams amidst the 124-118 victory.

In the Knicks’ 121-115 win over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night, rookie Ariel Hukporti took over the backup five role, joining a rotation he had largely been left out of the majority of this season.

For a franchise owner who hardly ever steps foot in the locker room, let alone to speak with a rookie who’s mostly been glued to the bench, the moment spoke volumes for Hukporti

With Mitchell Robinson still recovering from offseason foot surgery, and Karl-Anthony Towns dealing with a thumb injury, the Knicks have been forced to turn to second-round rookie Ariel Hukporti as an immediate role player of the bench.