Knicks allow 41 points in the third quarter as they drop 128-110 to the Suns at the Garden

The Knicks returned at home to play against the worst in the West, a possible rival in the tanking game. Phoenix Suns, a team that has 12 players of 25 years old or younger, were trying to get their first three game winning streak in 21 months and they successfully did it after defeating the Knicks 128-110.

Boxscore

Devin Booker, who was taunted by Enes Kanter on social media last year came with vengeance and scored a season-high 38 points. TJ Warren added 26 and DeAndre Ayton dropped 21 for the Suns, who were 4-24 several days ago.

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The Knicks, who played without Tim Hardaway Jr., Allonzo Trier and Mithell Robinson, were led by Emmanuel Mudiay’s 32 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Kevin Knox outscored his nemesis, Mikal Bridges – whom the Knicks passed over on the 2018 NBA Draft, 17-7, proving that the they made a wiser choice. In fact, Knox is averaging 16 points on the last four games.

“We were up in the first half and at halftime, I think we got a little relaxed and thought the game was over and they were going to roll over for us.”

– Kevin Knox

The game was controlled by the Knicks and the score was tied 79-79 late in the third quarter. Then came TJ Warren’s 28 foot three pointer that propelled the Suns on a 21-4 run that basically sealed the game.

Courtney Lee returned to the starting lineup replacing Mario Hezonja and finished with 12 points while shooting 5-8 from the field. Enes Kanter scored 13 and grabbed 10 rebounds while Hezonja contributed with 14 buckets off the bench.

Former Knick, Jamal Crawford, now 38, played 26 minutes and although finished with just 6 points he dished a career-high 14 dimes.