NEW YORK- The New York Knicks (6-4) took on the Cleveland Cavaliers (7-4) in Madison Square Garden in what was a contested matchup early on. Both teams walked into this game off a win; The Knicks entered having defeated the defending champion Bucks the week prior, while the Cavs snuck past the Raptors in their prior game. 

In a back and forth first half with 13 lead changes, the Knicks would lead 57-56. However, after a sloppy start to the third, the Knicks would let themselves fall behind and the Cavs would win in the end 126-109.

Ricky Rubio Stuns the Knicks

An injury to Collin Sexton (bruised knee) put an extra load on backup point guard Ricky Rubio.

Rubio would take over the game for the Cavs, finishing with a career-high 37 points. Additionally, Rubio had 10 assists and shot 8 of 9 on three-pointers. 

The Knicks seemed to have no answer for Rubio, who seemed to have an answer time and time again.

Rubio shot the most three-pointers in a single game in his career (8) and was flawless with his passing. 

Ricky Rubio has spent 10 seasons in the NBA, but not before his European and Spanish career. 

Rubio, who was born in El Masnou, Spain, and would become the youngest player ever to play in the Spanish ACB league at age 14. 

Second Half Slump

The Knicks looked to keep their first-half effort going. They were keeping it close in the first half and having a great night scoring going into halftime; they hoped the third quarter would be no different.

Unfortunately for the Knicks, they would come out flat-footed in the third quarter, being outscored 33-18.

The Knicks would shoot 7 for 22 from the field and 1 for 9 on three-pointers in the quarter, missing shot after shot and failing to catch a rhythm. The Knicks would trail 89-75 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

The 3rd quarter slump would ultimately prove to be too big of a hole to climb out of for the Knicks. 

Even strong 4th quarter showings by Obi Toppin and Emmanuel Quickley off the bench were not enough to overcome the Cavs. 

The Knicks would end the game shooting 9 for 31 from three-point range, just 29%. 

What's Next? 

Cleveland will play the Wizards on Wednesday, Nov. 10.

The Knicks will face the 76ers tomorrow, Nov. 8.