New York, May 13 (EFE) .- Guard-forward Alec Burks scored 30 points, which was his best mark of the season, on his return after a three-game absence, and the New York Knicks maintained the advantage of local in the playoffs when they came back against the San Antonio Spurs, whom they beat 102-98.
Power forward Julius Randle also had 25 points, nine rebounds and nine assists as the most complete player for the Knicks, who are halfway through the Atlanta Hawks in their battle with the Miami Heat for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
Before the game, Randle received his Conference Player of the Month award for April.
Canadian shooting guard-forward RJ Barrett scored 19 of his 24 points in the second half with the Knicks, who secured their first place in the postseason since 2013 last Wednesday, when the Boston Celtics lost in Cleveland to the Cavaliers.
The Knicks recognized the achievement on the Madison Square Garden video screen during a timeout in the first quarter, prompting cheers from fans in the stands.
Guard-forward DeMar DeRozan scored 27 points as the leader of the Spurs, who, although they lost, the loss suffered by the Sacramento Kings (116-110) against the Memphis Grizzlies ensures the last place of the Western Conference play-in that will keep them in the fight to reach the playoffs.
(c) EFE Agency