Next

Stars

Next

Stars

Next

Stars

Next

Stars

Former NBL Next Star Ariel Hukporti has helped the New York Knicks move out to a 2-0 lead over Philadelphia.

7 May
NBL.com.au

Former NBL Next Star Ariel Hukporti has played a key role in helping the New York Knicks move to a 2-0 lead in their Playoff Series with Philadelphia.

In Game 1 of the pair’s Semi-Final Series, the former Melbourne United big man tallied 4 points (2/2 from the field), 9 rebounds and 2 blocks in 17 minutes on the floor, to help New York win 137-98.

Hukporti was rewarded for his strong play with extra game time, with fellow big men Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson only playing 20 and 12 minutes respectively.

Then in Game 2, the German added 2 points and 3 boards, as the Knicks won 108-102 at Madison Square Garden.

The Series now moves to Philadelphia, with Game 3 on Friday from 9am AEST.

__wf_reserved_inherit

Latest News

Next Star powers Knicks to Playoff victories
Next Star powers Knicks to Playoff victories

Former NBL Next Star Ariel Hukporti has helped the New York Knicks move out to a 2-0 lead over Philadelphia.

May 7, 2026

Next Star powers Knicks to Playoff victories
Next Star powers Knicks to Playoff victories

Former NBL Next Star Ariel Hukporti has helped the New York Knicks move out to a 2-0 lead over Philadelphia.

May 7, 2026

Next Stars combine in NBA Draft race
Next Stars combine in NBA Draft race

Karim Lopez has secured an NBA Draft Combine invite while Malique Lewis eyes a late push via the G League Combine.

May 2, 2026

"He's an NBA player": GM backs Next Star
"He's an NBA player": GM backs Next Star

Next Stars Program GM Liam Santamaria believes Phoenix's Malique Lewis has all the tools to be 'an NBA player'.

Apr 30, 2026

Daniels doubles down on development
Daniels doubles down on development

Next Stars Program GM Liam Santamaria has backed Dash Daniels’ decision to return to the competition for a second season.

Apr 30, 2026

Winning the lottery: Lopez’s NBA Draft stock surges
Winning the lottery: Lopez’s NBA Draft stock surges

The New Zealand Breakers' Next Star Karim Lopez has been ranked in the lottery ahead of the fast-approaching 2026 NBA Draft.

Apr 29, 2026

Next Stars Update: Karim's dream, Paul's call & more
Next Stars Update: Karim's dream, Paul's call & more

Liam Santamaria breaks down rising Next Stars, NBA pathways and growing global attention on the NBL.

Apr 28, 2026

REPORT: Front-runner emerges for NBL Next Star's signature
REPORT: Front-runner emerges for NBL Next Star's signature

The Cairns Taipans have emerged as the front-runners to sign rising NBL Next Star Luke Paul.

Apr 28, 2026

Wildcats and Kouakou-Heugue to part ways
Wildcats and Kouakou-Heugue to part ways

The Perth Wildcats and NBL Next Star Noa Kouakou-Heugue have mutually agreed to part ways.

Apr 22, 2026

For early access and updates, stay up to date with the hottest young basketball talent in the world. Sign up below and never miss a play or the next big moment.

By signing up you agree to the NBL Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The National Basketball League acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, live & play. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present & emerging as well as all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Community.