Nuggets 111, Knicks 105: Scenes from a sweet second half with a bitter ending

The New York Knicks turned what easily could have been another blowout in Denver into a startling competitive 111-105 loss at the hands of the Nuggets.

Sure, our ‘Bockers went down early, as usual, but they erased most of a 16-point halftime deficit with a 33-20 third quarter. Given the quality of this Nuggets team (and the fact that the Knicks haven’t won in Denver in over a decade), this might have been their finest quarter of the season. Marcus Morris scored 16 of his 22 points in the period.

The Knicks actually took a lead in the fourth, but the offense couldn’t hit a shot down the stretch, and the Nuggets are much better than the Kings and Warriors. Also, Julius Randle started doing his thing — and not in a good way.

The Knicks received some breathtaking point guard play from Frank Ntilikina (13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals) and Elfrid Payton (10 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists).

Kevin Knox had 10 points and a nice dunk.

All in all, a decent way to end a long Western Conference road trip. The Knicks went 2-2 out West. Recap to come.