MANILA – New York Knicks leaned on the fourth quarter exploits of Alec Burks to topple San Antonio Spurs, 102-98, in the 2020-2021 National Basketball Association (NBA) Season on Thursday night (Friday in the Philippines) at the Madison Square Garden in New York.
Holding on to a slim 87-85 lead with over five minutes left, Burks drilled nine straight points, including two three-pointers, as the Knicks widened its gap from the Spurs at 96-92.
The Spurs stayed within striking distance at 97-98 on a three-point play by Keldon Johnson; but two free throws each by Burks and RJ Barrett sealed the victory for the Knicks.
Burks finished the match with 30 points, with 15 coming in the fourth quarter, along with 10 rebounds; while Julius Randle and Barrett added 25 and 24 markers, respectively, for the Knicks.
The Knicks are now at sixth place with a 39-31 win-loss slate, tying with Miami Heat which came from a lopsided 106-94 triumph against the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 team the Philadelphia 76ers (47-23).
Demar DeRozan tallied 27 points, Dejounte Murray added 14 markers, while Johnson and Lonnie Walker IV contributed 13 and 12, respectively, as the Spurs dropped to 33-37.
Atlanta Hawks (40-31), meanwhile, stayed ahead of the Heat and Knicks in the standings, after a 116-93 rout of Orlando Magic (21-49). Bogdan Bogdanovic had 27 markers to lead the Hawks.
Milwaukee Bucks (45-25), on the other hand, hung on to third spot in the East following a 142-133 beating of Indiana Pacers (33-37). Giannis Antetokounmpo had double-double 40 points and 15 rebounds for the Bucks.
Over at the West, Los Angeles Clippers (47-23) stayed at third place following a 113-90 domination over Charlotte Hornets (33-37). Paul George had a near triple-double of 20 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for the Clippers.
Denver Nuggets (46-24) stands just behind the Clippers at fourth spot after a 114-103 beating of Minnesota Timberwolves (22-48). Nikola Jokić tallied 31 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Nuggets./PN
