New York, Han. 11 (U.S.): RJ Barrett scored 31 points in his first home game since his first career win, to lead the New York Knicks to a 111-96 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.
Evan Fournier returned from a one-game absence with 18 points for the Knicks, who opened the match that was close throughout the match by beating Tottenham 18-2 to start the fourth quarter, the Associated Press reported.
Barrett had five consecutive points to open the last period, which started with just 82-75 points over the Knicks. By the time the Knicks hit a three-shooter in a row to end a boom, the score was 100-77.
Barrett scored 3 points last Thursday to give the Knicks a 108-105 win over Boston. Fournier scored a career high of 41 points in that match but missed the Knicks’ loss in Boston on Saturday at the back end of the home and away game with a bruised left thigh.
The Knicks won for the third time in four games to reach the halfway point in their table at 20-21.
But it was another rough night for Julius Randle, the Knicks star last season whose downturn this season has frustrated fans. Randle gave the audience a thumbs up during Thursday’s victory over Boston – and was later fined $25,000 by the NBA for using profanity when explaining his motives.
Randall shot 1 for 7 for two points, although he had 12 rebounds. The boos were noticeable as he hit an air ball and later led to a spin, such as “Obi Toppin! Obi Toppin!” chants from fans who were calling for reserve Brandel to replace him.
Degonte Murray scored 24 points for Tottenham, who finished a wild ride 1-6. Jacob Boeltel scored 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Neither team advanced by more than eight in the first half, which ended with the Knicks leading 51-49 after Barrett’s strong finish.
Finally help them build a two-digit pillow on the third. Barrett had a basket, converted a three-point play and found Quentin Grimes for the jump as the Knicks stretched by four points to 78-67.
Hint
Spurs: Besides their six players in health and safety protocols, Spurs have also lost the Jock Landal position due to back spasms. …Looney Walker IV scored 15 points.
Knicks: Kemba Walker missed his sixth game in a row with a left knee injury, and Nerlence Noel lost for the 10th time in a row as he regained his health after being on health and safety protocols. Coach Tom Tebodeau said they are both close to making a comeback.
silent start
The Knicks observed a minute’s silence before the game over the deaths of 17 people, including eight children, on Sunday after a fire in a 19-story building in the Bronx. Fans cheered as the team also thanked the first responders who were on site in the deadliest fire the city has seen in more than three decades.
next one
Tottenham: Host Houston on Wednesday.
Knicks: Dallas hosts on Wednesday.