Sacramento Kings vs New York Knicks Box Score on Nov 11, 2017

The Sports Xchange
Nov 11, 2017

NEW YORK -- Kristaps Porzingis had 34 points on 11-of-21 shooting and Courtney Lee added 20 as the New York Knicks defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings 118-91 on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.

Porzingis, who was sidelined with elbow and ankle injuries in the Knicks' 13-point loss at Orlando on Wednesday, sparked New York in his return to the lineup.

After getting off to a slow start, Porzingis eventually poured in 15 first-quarter points, capping his outstanding quarter with a beautiful give-and-go with rookie guard Frank Ntilikina, who found Porzingis for a thunderous alley-pop dunk that gave MSG some early energy.

Behind Porzingis, the Knicks staked themselves a 32-23 first-quarter lead after trailing 13-2 just over four minutes in.

Sacramento trimmed New York's lead to one midway through the second quarter, but the Knicks went on a 21-7 run to end the half and led 64-49.

Terrific early long-distance shooting boosted the Knicks, who were 5 of 10 from 3-point range, including 3 of 4 by Porzingis. They finished the first half 8 of 15.

New York led by as many as 30 points in the third quarter and stayed ahead by 20-plus for the duration.

Skal Labissiere had 19 points of the bench to lead Sacramento, which did not have a player in double figures for the first three quarters. Buddy Hield added 17 off the bench for the Kings, who had no starters in double digits.

Porzingis, who exited the game to "MVP! MVP!" chants with almost three minutes left in the third quarter, had his eighth 30-point game of the season. He had 24 points in the first half.

Lee's 20-point game was his first since March, and Enes Kanter added 17 points and 13 rebounds for the Knicks, who have gone 7-2 since starting the year 0-3.

New York had five players in double figures, including rookie Damyean Dotson (14) and veteran Michael Beasley (10).

NOTES: New York will get back the services of C Joakim Noah on Monday after he finishes a 20-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. ... The Kings had their first two-game winning streak of the season snapped. ... The Knicks recalled G Ron Baker and G Damyean Dotson from the G League's Westchester Knicks. The duo was sent down on Friday and played Friday night for Westchester. ... The Kings continue their three-game East coast swing with a showdown at Washington on Monday. ... New York hosts Cleveland on Monday after defeating the Cavs 114-95 on Oct. 29 in Cleveland.