The New York Knicks went into full on tank mode in their road loss to the San Antonio Spurs and more news is out on Joakim Noah‘s suspension.
- New York Knicks 98 (27-46)
- San Antonio Spurs 106 (56-16)
- NBA, Final, Box Score
- AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas
Derrick Rose returned to the lineup to try and ease some pressure off Kristaps Porzingis, but without Carmelo Anthony (sore knee) and Lance Thomas (sore hip) for the second straight game, there wasn’t enough firepower.
Porzingis struggled again. He committed four fouls in a bizarre first half which he again looked out of sync without Anthony. Surprisingly, he didn’t foul out, but he only played 26 minutes and shot 3 of 8 from the field with 12 points.
MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard torched the Knicks for 29 points on 11 of 18 shooting including 4 of 6 on threes. Without Anthony to make him work on defense, this one was too easy for Leonard.
Key Stat
The triangle was in full force on Saturday night. New York only attempted ten shots from three-point range (they went 3-10) while San Antonio decided to go more modern launching 25 shots from beyond the arc. They made ten.
Key Player
Willy Hernangomez had himself a night. The rookie scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds becoming only the third Knicks rookie in the last 30-plus years to reach those numbers. The other two are Porzingis and the great Patrick Ewing.
.@willyhg94 posts 24p/13r but the #Knicks valiant effort falls short. @MajorEnergy Postgame Report ? #NYKvsSAS
[? https://t.co/vau0RXF9pk] pic.twitter.com/zpcNXZDHJC— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 26, 2017
Kuzzzzz soaring in for the slam! #NYKvsSAS #Knicks pic.twitter.com/ZdPQVe4SAC
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 26, 2017
End of 1Q: Spurs 33 #Knicks 23@MKuzminskas: 13p (3-3 3-PT)#NYKvsSAS pic.twitter.com/tadvnWwEVv
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 26, 2017
HIGHLIGHTS from tonight's game in San Antonio. #Knicks #NYKvsSAS pic.twitter.com/v55lHZnXUI
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 26, 2017
The Knicks made big headlines off the court this weekend when Joakim Noah was suspended 20 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. Details of Noah’s situation were released on Saturday.
The former Defensive Player of the Year tested positive for a testosterone booster called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator LGD-4033. He will not appeal the suspension.
Kristaps Porzingis told Al Iannazzone of Newsday, before the San Antonio debacle, that he wants to learn how to be the focal point of the offense.
“I’m trying to learn how to be the guy, how to be the focal point,” Porzingis said after the game. “Make a play or create a shot for myself. I’m still working on that. I still have a lot to learn. That’s one thing as I keep growing as a player I’ll have to learn and be better at.”
Saturday night was more proof that the unicorn still has a long way to go before he can carry a team by himself.
ESNY’s Robbie Stratakos explained why Kentucky Wildcats point guard De’Aaron Fox would make such a great fit next to Porzingis.
Up Next: The Knicks return home to host the sliding Detroit Pistons (34-39) on Monday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
