New York Knicks: Grades and reactions from horrendous loss to Spurs

The New York Knicks fell to the San Antonio Spurs, who entered the game on an eight-game losing streak. How did the players grade out?

Just as they predicted, the San Antonio Spurs snapped their eight-game losing streak in a wire-to-wire win over the New York Knicks, who came out of the gate as though they didn’t want to play, let alone win this game.

Knicks’ defense, aside from Frank Ntilikina, was horrible. No perimeter defense, plenty of turnovers, and fouls. That has been where the Knicks are most consistent.

For some reason, the Knicks play better on the road than at home. That’s not to say that they win more because obviously they don’t, but they play a much more aggressive game. There was no aggression during the first three quarters until Dennis Smith, Jr. made a push, and in the fourth, Ntilikina attempted to spark a comeback but it was much too little too late.

Although his team played horrifically, Ntilikina again did his best. In the fourth quarter, the Knicks outscored the Spurs 33-22 and much of that was due to the Frenchman. He played 35 minutes, had nine points on 3-of-9 shooting with 1 of 4 from three-point range, two of two from the free-throw line. His best contributions to the game were his six steals, nine assists, and three rebounds while maintaining his case as the team’s starting point guard.

Another tough game for RJ Barrett, who had 28 minutes, 13 points on 6 of 11 shooting, and 1 of 4 from the free-throw line.

Morris’ leadership was nowhere to be found. In 23 minutes his contributions included 20 points, 50 percent shooting, 4 of 6 from outside, and 2 of 2 from the free-throw line. As a leader, he should have shown his teammates more aggression, more desperation to win and that “protect home” mentality. That was his promise to the New York fans.

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 23 points and went to the free-throw line seven times. Randle played 31 minutes and 14 points on 6 of 17 shooting, made just one three-pointer, had three rebounds, four turnovers, and five personal fouls. The offensive fouls were a little suspect but don’t make up for his poor showing once again.

Mitchell Robinson did not start the game but was the center who made the most difference on Saturday. In 23 minutes he had six points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals, two blocks, and only two personal fouls, which is a big improvement.

Other takeaways

• Bobby Portis was the best contributor off the bench, with 16 points and four three-point makes. The points were good, but two rebounds will not do at all.
• The Knicks helped the Spurs break an eight-game losing streak, which was the longest in the Gregg Popovich era.

The New York Knicks will return to the court on Sunday, Nov. 24 to face the Brooklyn Nets.