The New York Knicks lost a close game against the defending Eastern Conference Champions, the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.
The Knicks headed into Tuesday’s game with the recent acquisition of Derrick Rose, whom they acquired via trade with the Detroit Pistons. Rose’s arrival gave the team another scoring option, and Rose did just that. In just 20 minutes of playing time, the three-time All-Star scored 14 points and shot 55% from the field.
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Rose’s addition to the team was praised by Miami’s coach Erik Spoelstra. “He definitely can add quite a bit to that team,” said Spoelstra. “With the new team, new leadership, it helps to have faces that understand the culture and the work you’re trying to drive.”
“Anytime you can get a chance to pick somebody’s brain who’s been through pretty much everything, playoffs, everything, as far as MVP, just really everything, it’s always a good chance to learn from somebody who has the experience,” said Knicks rookie Immanuel Quickley, who echoed Miami’s coach on regarding the veteran presence the former MVP brings to New York.
In just 20 minutes, the three-time All-Star was able to deliver shooting 55% from the field and scoring 14 points for New York. Elfrid Payton scored a team-high 18 points, and R.J. Barrett added 13 points to help the scoring effort. All-Star hopeful Julius Randle struggled during the game, as he only recorded 12 points, scoring four out of 18 field goal attempts.
Miami, on the other hand were missing key players Goran Dragic and Avery Bradley. Heat superstar Jimmy Butler led the team with 26 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists. Kelly Olynyk added 20 points, and All-Star Bam Adebayo contributed with 20 points.
New York, whose defense is currently rated as top five in the league, was able to hold Miami to under 100 points. Even as Randle struggled offensively for the Knicks, they were able to keep the game close. The fourth quarter was a pitched battle that had a playoff feeling to it. Knicks’ rookie Quickley failed to convert an important layup that would have tied the game at 98, with less than three seconds left in the game.
The final score was 98-96 for Miami. The win over New York extended Miami’s winning streak to three wins, and for New York it was their second consecutive loss.
