- With Nerlens Noel getting into early foul trouble, Mitchell Robinson played most of the first quarter but the Knicks didn’t miss a beat as Robinson went 2-for-2 from the field and added two blocks. However, as a whole, New York didn’t defend particularly well, giving up multiple wide open dunks and ultimately led 39-30 after the first quarter.
- The Knicks started the second quarter as hot as they finished the first, going on a 14-6 run, led by McBride, to lead by 17. But, as hot as they were shooting the ball for the first 16 minutes of the game, they went just as cold for the remaining eight, going just 2-of-8 from three-point range in the quarter and 6-of-19 from the field. The Rockets finished the half on a 15-4 run of their own to bring the score back to 57-51 as the Knicks’ starters continued to struggle together.
- Already short-handed, the Knicks’ Derrick Rose, who didn’t look right from the beginning of the game, did not return to the contest due to a sore right ankle. However, Fournier found his stroke once again in the third quarter, draining a three to begin the action. Still, the Knicks allowed the Rockets to inch their way closer into the game, even letting them take the lead for a brief moment, and finished the quarter only up 84-82.
- But it was a totally different story in the 4th quarter. The Knicks began the final frame on a 7-0 run and completely pulled away from the Rockets thanks to five straight threes from Quickley. His seven made threes in the game was a career high for the second-year pro as were his 24 points. The rookie McBride also had a career-high 15 points, nine assists and four steals in his best game as a Knick. Robinson finished 8-for-8 and his 17 points were also a season-best as the Knicks beat the Rockets, 116-103 to snap a four-game losing streak.
Highlights
