Knicks Lose 94-84 as Kristaps Porzingis Leaves Game With Injury

The New York Knicks took on the San Antonio Monday night after an impressive win over the Washington Wizards on Halloween night.

The Knicks jumped out to an early lead with every starter scoring in the first four minutes of play, forcing  Gregg Popovich to call an early timeout. New York went on a 10-2 run to take an early 12-7 lead, including a nice gliding layup by Kristaps Porzingis that really displayed the rookie’s length and athleticism. Although Porzingis would once again get into early foul trouble Monday night, taking a seat on the bench early yet again.

Tony Parker ignited a 9-0 run, getting into the paint with ease for a couple of his trademarked floaters, getting San Antonio back into the game, leading 16-15 with 3:24 remaining in the first quarter. Parker finished the game with 16 points.

New York finished the opening period strong, going on a 6-2 run to take a 18-21 lead after one quarter of play. The Knicks really took care of the basketball early, not turning over the ball even once in the first quarter.

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Although that drastically changed… as New York clearly lost focus…after the first quarter, turning the ball twice in first minute of second quarter off inbound plays… leading to quick scores on the other end. There would be another poor turnover off an inbound play again.. just four minutes later, this time in the mist of a 12-0 Spurs’ run to take a 38-29 with 5:26 remaining in the second quarter. The run was highlighted by Kawhi Leonard suffocating Anthony on the defensive end, engulfing him with a block and then with Anthony not getting back on defense…choosing instead to argue with the referee… Leonard knocked down a wide open three-pointer on the other end…

Anthony would finally put a stop to the bleeding but the Spurs would take a 47-35 lead entering halftime, as they forced New York to move the ball to Robin Lopez on offense. Lopez scored four points but should not be relied on consistently.

The Spurs really cranked it up defensively in the second quarter, forcing the Knicks into six turnovers and to shot 31.8% from the field. Leonard lead the way for San Antonio, scoring 12 of his total 18 points in the first half.

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Porzingis came out of the half with a lot energy, trying to will the Knicks back into the game single-handily. Porzingis really attacked the offensive glass Monday night, including a MONSTER one-handed put-back dunk! Porzingis went on a personal 6-2 run but barely dented the deficit with the Spurs still leading 44-53. Porzingis though would shortly be forced to head back to the bench…after picking up his fourth personal foul.

After just trading baskets for most of the third quarter, the Knicks finished the period strong, going a 7-2 run to cut the deficit to just five points 65-70. New York’s offense got it going in the period, scoring 30 points after only scoring 35 points in the entire first half.

Two quick scores early in the fourth quarter, got the Knicks within four points but Manu Ginobili would knock down a huge momentum changing three-pointer to give the Spurs a 80-73 lead with 9:21 remaining in the fourth quarter. As New York started to gain a little steam, a blown goaltending call by the referee gave the Spurs a free two-points, then Boris Diaw would knock down a back breaking three-pointer to give San Antonio a 87-79 lead mid-way through the final period.

The Spurs would go on to win 94-84, putting the Knicks back at .500 with a 2-2 record. Although…if this was the only bad news…it would have been great… as the game was ending Porzingis went back to the locker room after colliding with Anthony. Porzingis’ head snapped back and he laid on the floor for a while… ***fingers crossed*** hopefully it is nothing.

INJURY UPDATE

Hopefully there will be more good news to come regarding Porzingis’ injury. Porzingis had a fabulous night before getting injured, collecting a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Porzingis was just an absolute BEAST on the offensive glass, collecting eight offensive rebounds!

After Anthony shut Jared Dudley up with 37 “overrated” points, the Knicks’ superstar got shut down by defensive stalwart Leonard. Anthony shot just 4/17 from the field for 19 points. What was encouraging  though was that Melo was able to get to the free-throw line, going to the charity stripe a dozen times Monday night.

Kevin Seraphin returned to the lineup, checking in late in the third quarter. Seraphin played just five minutes but should be a nice addition to New York’s big man depth chart.

Next: Derek Fisher Sings Langston Galloway's Praises

New York will try to avoid going under .500 against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday night but it will be a tough task.