Barrett pours in 31 points as Knicks pull away in 4th
NEW YORK — RJ Barrett scored 31 points in his first home game since hitting his first career buzzer beater, leading the New York Knicks to a 111-96 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.
Evan Fournier returned from a one-game absence to score 18 points for the Knicks, who broke open a game that had been close throughout by outscoring the Spurs 18-2 to start the fourth quarter.
Barrett had five straight points to open the final period, which started with the Knicks ahead just 82-75. By the time the Knicks hit three consecutive 3-pointers to end their spurt, it was 100-77.
Barrett banked in a 3-pointer last Thursday to give the Knicks a 108-105 victory over Boston. Fournier scored a career-high 41 points in that game, but missed the Knicks’ loss in Boston on Saturday in the back end of the home-andhome with a bruised left thigh.
The Knicks won for the third time in four games to reach the midpoint of their schedule at 20-21.
But it was another rough night for Julius Randle, the Knicks’ All-star last season whose dip this season has frustrated fans. Randle gave the crowd a thumbs down during the victory over Boston on Thursday — and was later fined $25,000 by the NBA for using profanity when explaining his motivation.
Randle shot 1 for 7 for two points, though did grab 12 rebounds. The boos were noticeable when he shot an airball and later committed a turnover, as were the “Obi Toppin! Obi Toppin!” chants from fans that were calling for Randle’s backup to replace him.
Dejounte Murray scored 24 points for the Spurs, who finished a 1-6 road trip. Jakob Poeltl had 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Neither team led by more than eight in the first half, which ended with the Knicks leading 51-49 after Barrett’s strong finish.
He helped them finally build a double-digit cushion in the third. Barrett had a basket, converted a three-point play and found Quentin Grimes for a jumper as the Knicks extended a four-point edge to 78-67.
Knicks’ point guard Kemba Walker missed his sixth straight game with a sore left knee, and Nerlens Noel missed his 10th in a row as he regains his conditioning after being in health and safety protocols. Coach Tom Thibodeau said both are close to returning.