The San Antonio Spurs (32-6) advanced to 22-0 at home on the season with a 100-99 win over the New York Knicks (18-20).
Rising superstar Kawhi Leonard continued his dominance, posting a team-high 19 points and 12 rebounds while playing lockdown defense on Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. Offseason addition LaMarcus Aldridge complimented Leonard's strong performance with one of his own, delivering 16 points and nine rebounds. The narrow win marked perhaps the team's biggest scare at home on the season, but ultimately they were able to defeat the middling Knicks.
The story of the game for New York was rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis, who impressed with a game-high 28 points and 11 rebounds. The Latvian forward has silenced critics and established himself as a Rookie of the Year contender early this season, posting averages of 13.2 points, 8 rebounds, and 1.95 blocks per game. Superstar Carmelo Anthony, meanwhlie, struggled against reigning Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard, shooting just 5-for-15 on the night. New York is now two games below .500 and sits at fourth in the Atlantic Division.
New York will hope to bounce back as they take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. The Spurs, meanwhile, will take on the struggling Nets in Brooklyn on Monday.
