THE struggling New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden.
New York – despite of its depressing record this season – managed to upset the Spurs with the final score of 130-118. The Knicks end their 18-game losing streak and have their first win at home.
The Knicks rode their way to victory with guard Damyean Dotson’s career high performance of 27 points, draining 8 threes in this game. Moreover, forward Kevin Knox, guard Dennis Smith Jr., and guard Emmanuel Mudiay all got 19 each in this game. Overall, six Knicks players scored in double-digits.
For the Spurs, it was an amazing night for their guard Demar Derozan who scored 32 points and nine boards. In addition. Bigman Lamarcus Aldridge posted 18 points in this game along with guard Byrn Forbes with 15.
Despite Derozan’s monstrous game, the Spurs fall short.
The game was tight in the first with both teams trading baskets. However, with 1:01 left, Knox managed to knock a three pointer to break their tie to 29-26. The quarter ended with the score of 30-26.
In the second, the Knicks prevented the Spurs to cut their lead as they went ahead in double digits, 50-40, with 6:05 left in the quarter. This was thanks to Mudiay’s three that the Knicks got the double-digit lead.
The Knicks maintained their composure as they outscored the Spurs with 32-27 in the quarter. The game was 62-53 going into halftime.
In the third, the Knicks were on fire as they went on a 16-4 run using Dotson’s scoring effort, cashing in 8 points in the quarter. The Knicks led as many as 23 points with the score of 90-67 yet the Spurs refused to go down to 20. The Spurs answered back with a 16-4 run on their own and managed to cut the lead into eight points as the quarter closed.
But the Knicks got the upper hand at the fourth, keeping the Spurs at bay with excellent defense and smart plays down the stretch. Smith Jr. sealed the deal with a pass off the backboard to guard Mitchell Robinson who punched a thunderous dunk.
The Knicks are in desperate need to win five of their final 22 games to avoid matching their worst record in the franchise with 17-65 in the 2014-2015 season. Meanwhile, the Spurs fall with their record of 33-28. (Jayvee Gulfan, USC intern)