The San Antonio Spurs bounced back on Tuesday night against New York’s other team, the Knicks. Behind a strong third quarter, where the Spurs outscored New York by 15 points, San Antonio routed the Knicks 119-93 at AT&T Center. The 26-point victory was the largest margin of victory for San Antonio this season.
The Spurs were playing a back-to-back after falling to the Nets on Monday night in OT. Against the Knicks, who are number one in points allowed, San Antonio scored 36 points in the third quarter. Patty Mills(3-5 from three-point range) had nine points in the quarter, and Trey Lyles(2-2 from three-point range) had eight of his team and season-high 18 points, and in the end, San Antonio got back to their winning ways. The Spurs finished the game with 18 made threes.
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich was happy with the team’s effort.
“I think it was an impressive win on a back-to-back,” Popovich said. “Tough loss last night, and they just keep on trucking. An impressive win on a back-to-back came out and played a very physical team. Actually, the number one defensive team in the league right now. They should be pleased with their effort for now. “
Popovich was also happy with the play of DeMar DeRozan and Dejounte Murray. DeRozan had a double-double with 11 points and 10 assists, and he became the fifth player in Spurs history to record 11-plus assists in three straight games, while Murray had 17 points and six assists.
“Once again, Dejounte and DeMar, attacking, finding people,” Popovich said. “Between them, 17 assists and one turnover.”
The Spurs battle the Thunder at home on Thursday night, which is very winnable, and the final game before the All-Star break and the team’s four-game homestand. San Antonio is looking to avenge their loss to OKC, who beat the Spurs at the buzzer back in late February.
