Alec Burks scored 17 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and the New York Knicks survived a night to forget against the worst team in the NBA. Tom Thibodeau’s team won 99-106 at Madison Square Garden to reach 9-7 at the start of the season.
Burks provided that offensive boost the Knicks so badly needed in the face of teammates’ blunder. The guard added 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals with a magnificent 6 of 7 in triples.
“I was just trying to make winning plays and something like that happened. The shots have been entering me “, explained Alec Burks.
Regarding the Rockets, Stephen Silas’ men stood up to the end and proved to be quite a serious team on defense despite what the classification indicates. They are currently last in the NBA with a 1-15 record and fourteen losses in a row.
Inside Christian Wood was the most prominent of the Texans with 18 points and 12 rebounds, followed by up to five teammates in double-digit scoring: Jalen Green (16); Eric Gordon (15); Ja’Sean Tate (11 points and 10 rebounds); and backups Kevin Martin Jr. and Alperen Sengun (both with 10).
“We are a team that is still learning, that is growing and that we have fought to the end to have a chance. I am very proud of my players. We just have to get the job done, ”said Stephen Silas.
The Rockets were leading the score in the middle of the fourth period (89-84); however, the emergence of Alec Burks allowed the Knicks to win the game thanks to a favorable 2-12 quarter to place a 93-101 lead with two minutes remaining.
“I like the way we have fought, the way we have tried to seek victory until the end. It was not an easy game, “said Tom Thibodeau.
The Knicks coach has to consider changing something in his team, hitting the key to find the balance between starters and reserves. Last night they staged a blushing start of 5 of 23 on shooting from the field, and only the Rockets’ 8 losses in the first quarter prevented further problems.
At least the good news was the outside success of Evan Fournier with 19 points and a 5 of 10 in triples; however, neither Julius Randle nor RJ Barrett are comfortable right now, last night with a gray 8 of 28 from the field.
(Cover photo: Sarah Stier / Getty Images)
