Knicks return to .500 after road win in San Antonio

RJ Barrett scored a game high 32 points shooting 11-20 from the field including a career high seven three pointers (7-8) and the New York Knicks returned to .500, cutting a three game losing streak following a 121-109 road win the other night against the San Antonio Spurs. It was the first road win against the Spurs since January 2nd, 2014.

Barrett, who dealt with an illness the past several days, struggled with his shooting throughout the entire month of November, even coach Tom Thibodeau suggesting not too long ago that he needs to work harder and practice more in the gym. Last night, RJ came out big.

“I was down for a couple of weeks, but I’m feeling better now. It was good to get back in the gym, it was great and to have a game like today. Hopefully that can carry on for [Wednesday].”

– RJ Barrett

After taking Kemba Walker out, not only from the starting line-up but from the entire rotation, Thibodeau made another adjustment. He demoted center Mitchell Robinson having him come off the bench. The move was successful as Robinson finished in double-double for the first time since November 18. This was his fourth double double of the season with the first couple of them being back in October. Robinson scored 11 points, collected a game-high 14 rebounds and added 3 blocks.

The Knicks played one of their better third quarters of the season, having outscored the Spurs 33-25 during an act that included a 7-0 run and hard defense that kept San Antonio to just two points in the last 3:44 minutes of the period.

Julius Randle who finished with 15 buckets, 7 boards and 7 dimes, scored 9 of his total points in the third quarter, all from behind the arc. In fact, the Knicks shot close to 50% from long range, going 18-38 in all quarters.

Immanuel Quickley led the bench with 16 points and 5 rebounds, Derrick Rose scored 12 and Obi Toppin added 8 for the second unit. Alec Burks, in his fourth start, continued to be consistent and dropped 18 points and 5 assists.

The Spurs were led by Derrick White with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Dejounte Murray had 15 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists while Jakob Poetl and former Knick Doug McDermott scored 13 each.

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Up-next: The Knicks (12-12) will take on the Indiana Pacers (10-16) in another road game, tonight at 7:00pm.