New York Knicks (37-21) beat Houston Rockets (34-21) 108-106 at home on Saturday, February 21, after falling far behind. The Knicks were down 16 at one quarter break and still finished 2 ahead.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Knicks struck first, taking the opening quarter 27-21 and a 6-point lead after one. The Rockets moved in front with a 33-26 second quarter, carrying a 1-point lead into halftime.
The Rockets won the third 37-22 to create some separation, taking a 16-point lead into the fourth. The Knicks took the fourth 33-15; the Knicks completed the comeback for a 108-106 regulation win.
What flipped it
The Knicks took better care of the ball, turning it over on 11.6% of possessions compared with 19.8% for the Rockets. In a 2-point game, those extra possessions were crucial.
The Rockets did win one battle, second chances: ORB% of 38.2% against 20.5%. The Knicks made up for it elsewhere.
At roughly 96 possessions per team, the Knicks produced 113 points per 100 possessions to 110.9 for the Rockets.
The Knicks' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 30-16.
Who carried the comeback
Karl-Anthony Towns was the game's biggest individual force for NYK: 25 pts, 7 reb, 1 ast on 10-15 shooting. His Game Score of 19.5 led everyone. His team was +23 with him on the floor.
Jabari Smith Jr. led the Rockets with 21 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast on 8-13 shooting, good for a 16.9 Game Score.
Tari Eason (11 pts, 12 reb, 4 ast) and Amen Thompson (12 pts, 10 reb, 7 ast) each recorded a double-double.
What it means
The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Knicks about a 66% chance.
Across the last 2 meetings in our records, the series is even.
The Knicks are now 37-21, and the Rockets are 34-21. The Knicks last five before this game: L-W-L-W-L.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.