How it Happened
Despite playing without two key rotation players on the second night of a back-to-back, Derek Fisher's club fought hard against the red-hot Grizzlies. The Knicks dug themselves out of a 10-0 hole to start the game, and Arron Afflalo's trey pulled them to within two with 37 seconds left to play.
After a timeout, Kristaps Porzingis bothered Marc Gasol's driving layup attempt, Langston Galloway corralled the rebound and Afflalo charged up the floor for a potential game-tying jumper. It would rim out, and Memphis' Jeff Green would knock down two free throws to seal the 91-85 victory over the shorthanded Knicks.
Led by Jose Calderon (18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists), who played just 12 minutes on Thursday night in his first game back from a groin injury, and Porzingis (17 points, 10 rebounds, 6 blocks), New York entertained The Garden crowd with its gritty effort despite the loss.
Knick of the Night
Porzingis edges out Calderon for his inspired play down the stretch. Against the physical front line of Gasol and Zach Randolph, the rookie swatted five shots and scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to nearly rally his team to victory.
News and Notes
Carmelo Anthony (sore left knee) and Lance Thomas (concussion symptoms) did not dress for the game. An MRI revealed no structural damage in Anthony's knee and he is considered "day-to-day." Thomas will be out until at least Tuesday as he goes through the NBA's concussion protocol...Sasha Vujacic came off the bench to score 10 points in 15 minutes.
Numbers Game
Porzingis' double-double was the 17th in 52 games.
Next Up
The Knicks will have a day to prepare for a Super Bowl Sunday matinee against former Knicks draft pick Danilo Gallinari and the Denver Nuggets. Tipoff will be at 1 p.m. on MSG.