Knicks End Summer League on Rocky Note vs. Denver

The New York Knicks recovered from a gruesome start in their Summer League finale but were unable to escape with a win.

The New York Knicks Summer League team wouldn't even if they could, but not walking away from the table after a couple of hands in Las Vegas came back to haunt them.

New York's prospects were able to withstand a brutal start to their summer finale against those of the Denver Nuggets but were unable to finish off an epic comeback despite stealing a few brief leads in the fourth quarter, falling by an 89-86 final.

The Knicks (2-3) surrendered the first 15 points of the game and fell behind by as much as 21 before a strong second half, mostly sustained by a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter afforded them a few leads. First-round Julian Strawther paced the prospects of the defending NBA champions with 25 points.

Most of the Knicks' summer standouts sat out of Saturday's game, a consolation contest after failing to reach the four-team tournament stage. Charlie Brown Jr., Jaylen Martin, and Isaiah Roby were all held out, allowing several reserves to take the spotlight.

Granted a chance in the starting five, well-traveled international shooter Q.J. Peterson matched Strawther for the game lead with 25 points, 17 coming in the final frame alone as the Knicks mustered their comeback. Michael Foster Jr. had 17 points while blocking three, helping the Knicks keep pace until the final stanza. 

Hunter Tyson, a second-round pick, had 17 points for the Nuggets (2-3) but a missed free throw with 11 seconds remaining afforded New York one last chance to force another overtime like they did on Wednesday against Orlando. Alas, Peterson's tying triple fell short at the buzzer, ending a strong Summer League session on a bittersweet note. 

The prospects of the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers will meet in the 2023 Summer League semifinals on Sunday afternoon before those of the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz do battle. Each winner will partake in the final on Monday night.

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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