NBA: Leonard has double-double as Spurs hold off Knicks
SAN ANTONIO — Kawhi Leonard had 19 points and 12 rebounds and the San Antonio Spurs held off Kristaps Porzingis and the New York Knicks 100-99 on Friday night to remain undefeated at home.
San Antonio won its franchise-record 22nd straight home game to open the season and is tied for the franchise’s best start after 38 games at 32-6. This was its most difficult home victory yet, though.
Article continues after this advertisementPorzingis had 28 points and 11 rebounds but was on the bench when the Knicks started a 14-4 run to pull within 96-94 with 1:27 remaining.
New York’s Arron Afflalo hit his second 3-pointer in the final 2 minutes to make it 98-97 Spurs. After Tony Parker’s layup for San Antonio, Porzingis threw down an alley-oop dunk.
Parker missed a jumper, and then Jose Calderon missed a contested 3-pointer from the left corner for New York to end it.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Spurs were bothered by the length of the Knicks’ starting frontcourt, especially Porzingis.
The 7-foot-3 rookie was 11 for 21 from the field while being defended primarily by LaMarcus Aldridge.
Porzingis opened the game with a 3-pointer over Aldridge’s outstretched reach. He later drove past the speedy Patty Mills for a short hook that he missed only to follow with a two-handed dunk.
Porzingis also was 3 for 7 on 3-pointers.
Carmelo Anthony added 20 points and 12 rebounds for New York.
Aldridge, Parker and Manu Ginobili each had 16 points for San Antonio, which was won seven straight.