New York Knicks: Who stepped up in surprise win against Spurs?

The New York Knicks toppled the San Antonio Spurs, 130-118. Who stepped up in this streak-snapping win?

Now with wins in two of their last three games, the New York Knicks defeated a playoff-caliber team, the San Antonio Spurs, 130-118. This snapped another losing streak: 18 consecutive games dropped at home.

The Knicks had not won at Madison Square Garden since Dec. 1, when they toppled Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. That was nearly three months ago, and times have changed for New York since.

To achieve this, a handful of players stepped up. It was behind some of the team’s youngest players with promising futures, including one rising center:

Mitchell Robinson

Stat Line: 15 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 blocks, 5-for-7 shooting, 30 minutes

The minute total alone was significant for Mitchell Robinson. He had not crossed this total since Nov. 2, amid a starting role, after taking Enes Kanter‘s spot. That game resulted in 13 points and 10 rebounds, but Sunday’s performance toppled it all around.

With 15 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks, Robinson made the most of extra playing time, with DeAndre Jordan injured. It ensures greater on-court time ahead, especially as Noah Vonleh struggles.

Dennis Smith Jr.

Stat Line: 19 points, 13 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 8-for-17 shooting

Continuing to start at point guard, Dennis Smith Jr.‘s athletic, highlight-reel plays continue to bring exciting basketball to the blue and orange. He brought it, again, against the Spurs, except with an efficient night and a game-high 13 assists.

Even with in-team competition, Smith continues to play well. He must sustain it, though, due to his backup.

Emmanuel Mudiay

Stat Line: 19 points, 1 assist, 8-for-10 shooting, 3-for-5 on three-pointers, 19 minutes

Off the bench, Emmanuel Mudiay delivered a quick 19 points in 19 minutes, including a trio of three-pointers. He’s done nothing to prevent head coach David Fizdale from keeping him in the rotation. However, there’s still a difficult decision when Frank Ntilikina returns.

Damyean Dotson

Stat Line: 27 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 9-for-17 shooting, 8-for-13 on three-pointers

While most of his shots were three-pointers, Damyean Dotson hit an astounding eight of them for a career-high 27 points against San Antonio. It was a continuation of his hot shooting against Minnesota, and he’s on a productive streak.

Where this lasts remains to be seen, but it’s a positive, for now. Shooting guard is Dotson’s until further notice.

The New York Knicks will return on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m. ET, with a game against the Orlando Magic. Which players may step up?