San Antonio Spurs Wallop Sluggish New York Knicks

The Knicks three game win streak came to an end Tuesday night, as they lost to the San Antonio Spurs 119-93.

New York was only down four after the first half before it all fell apart in the third quarter San Antonio outscored New York 36-21.

KNICKS MISS ROSE

Derrick Rose was ruled out due to health and safety protocols, giving Frank Ntilikina his first start of the season.

Ntilikina was the bright spot for New York tonight, scoring 13 points and shooting 3-3 from beyond the arc. He scored 11 of his points in the third quarter.

Julius Randle had his worst night of the season. He only scored 14 points and set the tone for a sluggish Knicks squad.

The Spurs spread the love. They had six players who scored 10 or more points, moving the ball and knocking the Knicks normally strong defense back on their toes. New York finished with 18 assists to San Antonio’s 31.

While Ntilikina was a good replacement in the starting lineup, the Knicks missed Rose tonight. New York was not able to create any open looks (save for a few irrelevant fourth quarter threes from Immanuel Quickly). The team seemed dejected without Rose’s veteran leadership and are lucky the All Star Break is only one game away.

NEED SOME REST

As I wrote about earlier, the Knicks depth has been bent but not broken. Rose missing more than one or two games would alter the course of the season for the Knicks.

Point Guard Austin Rivers did not play tonight, even Rose’s absence. He has been branded “situational” by Coach Tom Thibodeau and may be out of New York any day now.

The All Star Break is coming at a good time for the beaten up Knicks, as they await a challenging second half schedule.