New York Knicks vs Phoenix Suns Recap, Highlights, Final Score, More

The New York Knicks suffered their first loss of their road trip, falling to the Phoneix Suns in overtime.

The New York Knicks lost a tough one to the Phoenix Suns, losing in overtime. The loss snapped their two-game winning streak and four-game road winning streak as well. It was also the first loss that the Knicks have suffered this season in a game decided by five points or less; they had previously need 6-0.

The Knicks got off to a slow start, as the Suns made 9-of-20 to begin the game from the three-point line. They got the lead with 9:45 in the first quarter and held it until the Knicks got it back with 7:41 remaining in the game. The Suns were able to build a lead as big as 14 points as they were in control a majority of the game.

The Knicks also suffered a big loss after the first quarter. Derrick Rose‘s back spasms flared up once again and he was unable to play after being subbed out in the first quarter. Rose gave the Knicks very little in those 10 minutes, going 0-for-6 from the field, scoring only two points and one rebound.

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Rose leaving the game not only hurt the Knicks offensively, as Rose gets to the basket as well as anyone, but it hurt them defensively. Rose isn’t regarded as a strong defender, but he has size to slow down opposing point guards, which he was doing to Eric Bledsoe in the early going. But, without Rose on the court, Bledsoe got things going.

Bledsoe went 0-for-3 in the first quarter, scoring four points off free throws. He would finish the game 9-for-21 for 31 points, going 12-for-12 from the foul line as the Knicks couldn’t slow him down without Rose in the lineup.

That, coupled with Carmelo Anthony struggling with his shot, were ultimately too much for the Knicks to overcome. They got solid contributions from the bench, as Jeff Hornacek went with an unorthodox lineup of Kristaps Porzingis, Kyle O’Quinn, Justin Holiday, Jeff Baker, and Lance Thomas to get the lead in the fourth quarter.

But, Porzingis would foul out with just under two minutes remaining in overtime and that would do in the Knicks. The Knicks didn’t back down after the slow start and gave a lot of effort, but they came up just short.

Three Stars

PF Kristaps Porzings, Knicks — With Anthony and Rose struggling and sidelined, Porzingis picked up all the slack. He got into an altercation with rookie Marquese Chriss, but did not back down and rose his game to another level following the skirmish. Porzingis finished the game with 34 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and three blocks in 42 minutes before fouling out.

C Kyle O’Quinn, Knicks — O’Quinn was outstanding for the Knicks tonight. He showed no ill-effects of the ankle injury that sidelined him Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers. O’Quinn helped pick up the offensive slack along with Porzingis, scoring 22 points. He also grabbed 14 rebounds to go along with two assists and one steal as he provided the Knicks a huge spark off the bench.

C Tyson Chandler, Suns — This was a revenge game for Chandler and he showed up big time. Chandler was a monster on the boards, pulling down 23 rebounds to go along with 12 points. He was the driving force in the Suns dominating the rebounding battle, as the Suns had 61 rebounds and the Knicks had only 43.

Highlights

Next: New York Knicks First Quarter Player Grades

Next Game

The Knicks continue their road trip with a nationally televised game against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. The Suns will host the San Antonio Spurs on Thurday night.