By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 02:51 GMT, 20 March 2025 | Updated: 02:51 GMT, 20 March 2025
SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Sandro Mamukelashvili was 13 of 14 from the field, including 7 for 7 on 3-pointers, for a career-high 34 points and the San Antonio Spurs upended the New York Knicks 120-105 on Wednesday night.
Stephon Castle added 22 points as San Antonio won for the third time in eight games. Chris Paul added 12 points and nine assists.
Karl-Anthony Towns had 32 points and nine rebounds to lead New York while OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges added 14 points each.
The Knicks are 3-3 since Jalen Brunson suffered a sprained right ankle.
The Spurs had their most inspiring victory since losing Victor Wembanyama (blood clot in right shoulder) and De'Aaron Fox (left pinkie surgery) to season-ending injuries.
Mamukelashvili, who played 19 minutes, had 13 points, seven rebounds and an assist in eight minutes in the first half as San Antonio rolled to a 28-point lead.
San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) dunks against New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
The Spurs outscored the Knicks 38-23 in the second quarter when New York had a 3:37 scoreless stretch.
The Knicks responded with a 29-16 third quarter but Mamukelashvili had 19 points in the final quarter to help the Spurs secure the victory.
Knicks: Mitchell Robinson had 13 points and 11 rebounds in his ninth game this season since returning from left ankle surgery. Robinson was 5 for 6 from the field in 17 minutes off the bench.
Spurs: Jeremy Sochan had 10 points, six rebounds and had three assists in his return to the starting lineup.
Devin Vassell´s 3-pointer with 2:37 remaining in the first half capped a 30-7 run that put the Spurs up 61-35.
The Spurs outrebounded the Knicks 61-48 despite having no player taller than 6-foot-9 available.
Knicks: Are at Charlotte on Thursday night.
Spurs: Host Philadelphia on Friday night.
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New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) looks to pass as he is defended by San Antonio Spurs' Jeremy Sochan (10) and Julian Champagnie (30) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
New York Knicks guard O.G. Anunoby (8) swats the ball away from San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
New York Knicks guard O.G. Anunoby (8) dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) shoots against New York Knicks' Miles McBride (2) and O.G. Anunoby (8) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) drives against San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)