Knicks’ Third Quarter Surge Not Enough; Fall to Hustle at Showcase

LAS VEGAS, NV – December 20, 2022 – The Westchester Knicks, the official NBA G League affiliate of the New York Knicks, fell 101-90 to the Memphis Hustle, Tuesday evening at Mandalay Bay Convention Center as its first game of the 2022 NBA G League Winter Showcase. 

The target score is being unitized during the fourth period for all games during the 2022 G League Showcase. Following the 76-74 third quarter score with the Knicks in front, 25 points were added to determine the final fourth period target score which was 101. Memphis was the first team to reach the goal. 

Nuni Omot (affiliate) led the Knicks (6-11) with 19 points which matches his season-high. He shot 4-6 from three and collected four rebounds off the bench. James Akinjo (affiliate) put up 17 points, his highest in the last three contests, and nine assists. Akinjo also shot 3-6 from downtown and corralled two steals. DaQuan Jeffries (Two-Way Player) scored 16 points and shot 50-percent from the field (5-10). Quinton Rose (returning rights) added 11 points in his start. 

For the Hustle (10-7), Kenneth Lofton Jr. posted a game-high 23 points and 11 boards. Dakota Mathias had a 20-point game. Matt Hurt chipped in 17 points and three triples off the bench. 

Memphis led the Knicks by five after the first period, 25-20, and dominated for much of the second outscoring the Knicks 31-19 in the frame. The Hustle went on to carry a 56-39 advantage to the locker room. 

The momentum shifted and Westchester came out firing on all cylinders in the third quarter. The Knicks shot their best all game swishing 54.2-percent of its tries from the field and 50-percent of its looks from behind the arc in the period. By the midway mark of the third, Westchester went on a 22-4 run, 61-60, awarding it its first lead all game. The playing field forthe duration of the third was nearly balanced with the Knicks outscoring the Hustle by three, 17-14. The Knicks’ 76-74 advantage determined the target score.  

The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair. Jeffries’ scoop to the cup pushed the Knicks back up one but it would double as the Knicks final lead of the game. The Hustle erupted for a 14-2 run that settled the game for good. 

Thursday, December 22, Westchester, and Mexico City compete in the final game of the 2022 NBA G League Winter Showcase at 10:30 PM ET.