NEW YORK (January 2) — The New York Knicks (20-18) earned a dominant 102-83 victory over the Phoenix Suns (20-18) at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. [BOX SCORE]
Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with 28 points and 16 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson added 24 points. Immanuel Quickley contributed 15 points and 5 rebounds. Read more: Halftime Update: Knicks 54, Suns 31 – New York in control
The Knicks had a strong all-around performance, shooting 48.6% from the field and recording 26 assists on 36 made baskets.
The Suns struggled offensively, shooting just 39.1% from the field on 34 of 87 attempts. Deandre Ayton, who averages 17.7 points per game, was held to 12 points and 5 rebounds. Mikal Bridges, Damion Lee, and Duane Washington Jr. all scored 10 points for Phoenix. Chris Paul, the Suns’ point guard, had a rough game, finishing with 11 points on 4-11 shooting and not scoring in the first half.
The Knicks used a 21-0 run to build a 32-point lead in the first half and led by 23 points at halftime at 54-31. The Suns, who have now lost three straight games and six of their last seven overall, were 10-37 from 3-point range.
The Knicks, who have won two in a row, will next face the San Antonio Spurs at home on Wednesday night. The Suns will stay on the road to play the Cleveland Cavaliers next.
In the paint, the Knicks outscored the Suns 36-28, while the Suns had the edge in second chance points, 17-9.
INJURY/INACTIVE PLAYERS
Several players were inactive for both teams, including Devin Booker, Jae Crowder, and Cameron Johnson for the Suns and RJ Barrett, Derrick Rose, and Obi Toppin for the Knicks.
Booker is dealing with a left groin strain, Crowder is not with the team, and Johnson has a right meniscus tear.
Barrett has a right index finger laceration, Rose has a contused left knee, and Toppin has a non-displaced fracture in his right fibula head.
