March 29, 2024

Ron Baker (Potawatomi) Scores 12 Points in First Career Start for New York; Knicks Fall 108-107 to Hawks

(New York) – Ron Baker (Citizen Band Potawatomi) made his first career start for New Yorkand scored 12 points (4-9 FG, 4-7 3Pt) while adding three rebounds, two steals and one assist in 22 minutes during Monday’s 108-107 loss to the Hawks.

This is only the third time Baker has seen more than 20 minutes, though it was the second such occurrence in a week. Baker was moved into the starting lineup over Courtney Lee, who was unimpressive in 21 minutes.

How It Happened:
A back-and-forth battle that featured 21 lead changes ended in the Hawks favor as Dennis Schroder buried a clutch 3-pointer with 18 seconds remaining in the game.  On the opposite side of the floor, Derrick Rose drove hard to the rim when he received a glimpse after Atlanta’s defense tilted towards the direction of Carmelo Anthony on slip screen.  Rose’s layup attempt was blocked by Paul Millsap and the loose ball ended up in Anthony’s hands for the final shot.  Anthony just missed the shot and a Joakim Noah tip layup opportunity fell short with the game clock expiring and the Hawks escaped MSG with a 108-107 win.

New York held a five-point lead with five minutes remaining in the contest, featuring a closing lineup of Rose, Justin Holiday, Mindaugas Kuzminskas, Anthony, and Noah.

Next Up:
The Knicks will have the day off on Tuesday following back-to-back games. However, the team will travel to Boston in preparation for Wednesday’s showdown against the Celtics.