New York Knicks overcome big night from DeMarcus Cousins, hold on against Kings (Highlights)
Dec 4, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) keeps New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) from the net during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks survive a big night from DeMarcus Cousins and hold on Sunday night against the Sacramento Kings. 

  • New York Knicks 106 (11-9)
  • Sacramento Kings 98 (7-13)
  • NBA, Final, Box Score
  • Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

An ugly win for the New York Knicks, but if you want to be a good team, sometimes you need to win ugly. The Sacramento Kings only lost by eight tonight but shot 32.3% from the field.

Look no further than the free-throw disparity (31 for Sacramento to 24 for New York). If not for some generous officiating tonight would’ve been a bloodbath.

After the Knicks pulverized the Kings in the first half, holding them to below 30% from the field and leading 55-41, they put a scare into their fans by allowing Sacramento back into the game with a 19-2 run in the third quarter.

The Kings ended up cutting the lead to three, 72-69. The Knicks their offense down again in the fourth, however.

DeMarcus Cousins was a problem all night, for the Knicks and the Kings, but the home team was able to overcome his 36-points by some strong defense down the stretch from Joakim Noah and Kyle O’Quinn.

The Knicks were able to win despite poor shooting nights from both of their top scorers, Carmelo Anthony (8-20) and Kristaps Porzingis (6-18).

The point guard duo of Derrick Rose (20 points, 9-14) and Brandon Jennings (season-high 19 points, 5-7) picked up the slack.

The Knicks visit the Miami Heat on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Chip Murphy covers the NBA for Elite Sports NY. You can find him on Twitter @ChipperMurphy.