Burks has big fourth, Knicks hand Rockets 14th straight loss

Published Nov. 20, 2021 8:03 p.m. ET

Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Alec Burks scored 17 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, Evan Fournier added 19 and the New York Knicks handed the Houston Rockets their 14th consecutive loss with a 106-99 victory on Saturday.

All-Star Julius Randle had 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Immanuel Quickley chipped in 13 points off the bench for the Knicks.

Christian Wood had 18-points and 12 rebounds for the NBA-worst Rockets (1-15), who have not won since a 124-91 rout over Oklahoma City on Oct. 24.

Jae’Sean Tate finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds for Houston, which dropped to 0-10 in road games.

Houston led 89-84 midway through the fourth quarter but Burks hit three 3-pointers down the stretch.

Randle found Burks for a 3-pointer to even it at 89-all, but Eric Gordon gave the Rockets the lead momentarily with a driving layup.

New York then went on a 12-2 run, capped by consecutive 3-pointers from Burks, extending the lead 101-93 with 2 1/2 minutes to go.

Houston turned the ball over eight times during the first nine minutes. But the Rockets settled down, outscoring New York 10-2 to take a 21-13 at the end of the opening period.

The Knicks started out sluggish, too, shooting just 5 for 23 in their worst opening quarter of the season.

TIP-INS

Rockets: G Kevin Porter Jr. missed the game with a left thigh contusion.

Knicks: C Taj Gibson (groin) was held out. … C Nerlens Noel returned after missing the last four games because of a sore right knee. Prior to Saturday, Noel had only played in four of New York’s 14 games, last doing so Nov. 8 at Philadelphia.

UP NEXT

Rockets: Wrap up their four-game road trip in Boston on Monday night.

Knicks: On Sunday will visit the Chicago Bulls, who they beat 104-103 in their first meeting of the season Oct. 28.