Canadian RJ Barrett scores 31, Knicks draw back to beat Spurs

NEW YORK — Canadian RJ Barrett scored 31 factors in his first residence sport since hitting his first profession buzzer beater, main the New York Knicks to a 111-96 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night time.

Evan Fournier returned from a one-game absence with 18 factors for the Knicks, who broke open a sport that had been shut all through by outscoring the Spurs 18-2 to begin the fourth quarter.

Barrett had 5 straight factors to open the ultimate interval, which began with the Knicks forward simply 82-75. By the point the Knicks hit three consecutive 3-pointers to finish their spurt, it was 100-77.

Barrett banked in a 3-pointer final Thursday to present the Knicks a 108-105 victory over Boston. Fournier scored a career-high 41 factors in that sport, however missed the Knicks’ loss in Boston on Saturday within the again finish of the home-and-home with a bruised left thigh.

The Knicks gained for the third time in 4 video games to succeed in the midpoint of their schedule at 20-21.

Nevertheless it was one other tough night time for Julius Randle, the Knicks’ All-Star final season whose dip this season has annoyed followers. Randle gave the gang a thumbs down throughout the victory over Boston on Thursday — and was later fined $25,000 by the NBA for utilizing profanity when explaining his motivation.

Randle shot 1 for 7 for 2 factors, although did seize 12 rebounds. The boos have been noticeable when he shot an airball and later dedicated a turnover, as have been the “Obi Toppin! Obi Toppin!” chants from followers that have been calling for Randle’s backup to switch him.

Dejounte Murray scored 24 factors for the Spurs, who completed a 1-6 street journey. Jakob Poeltl had 12 factors and 10 rebounds.

Neither group led by greater than eight within the first half, which ended with the Knicks main 51-49 after Barrett’s sturdy end.

He helped them lastly construct a double-digit cushion within the third. Barrett had a basket, transformed a three-point play and located Quentin Grimes for a jumper because the Knicks prolonged a four-point edge to 78-67.

TIP-INS

Spurs: Moreover their six gamers in well being and security protocols, the Spurs have been additionally lacking middle Jock Landale due to again spasms. … Lonnie Walker IV scored 15 factors.

Knicks: Kemba Walker missed his sixth straight sport with a sore left knee and Nerlens Noel missed his tenth in a row as he regains his conditioning after being in well being and security protocols. Coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned each are near returning.

SILENT START

The Knicks held a second of silence earlier than the sport for the 17 individuals killed, together with eight youngsters, Sunday after a hearth in a 19-story constructing within the Bronx. Followers cheered when the group additionally thanked the primary responders who have been on the scene within the metropolis’s deadliest blaze in additional than three a long time.

UP NEXT

Spurs: Host Houston on Wednesday.

Knicks: Host Dallas on Wednesday.