The Knicks had released a statement shortly before tipoff saying Rose was not with the team and provided no further information.
“Everything will become clear later on,” Hornacek said. “You know, we want to respect whatever he’s going through. We’re just not going to comment on it.”
Brandon Jennings started in place of Rose against New Orleans and led the Knicks with 20 points.
Hornacek had not mentioned anything about Rose’s absence when he spoke with the media about two hours before tipoff.
Rose, 28, has averaged 17.3 points, 4.5 assists and 3.9 rebounds in 33 games for the Knicks. He missed four games earlier in the season due to back spasms but has been relatively healthy outside of the back ailments.
New York was further shorthanded when Carmelo Anthony and Kyle O’Quinn were both ejected in the third quarter.
The Knicks were trailing 82-63 when the Pelicans called for a timeout. Before walking back to the Knicks’ bench, Anthony had some words with an official, was assessed two technical fouls and was subsequently tossed by lead official Danny Crawford. Anthony finished with 18 points and six rebounds.
Less than two minutes after Anthony was tossed, O’Quinn joined him in the locker room after he was assessed a flagrant foul 2 for his hard foul on Anthony Davis with 1:16 remaining in the third quarter. O’Quinn slapped down hard on Davis’ right arm as he was driving to the basket, sending the Pelicans star flying into the stands.
Davis underwent X-rays and was diagnosed with a bruised hip. New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry said more will be known about Davis’ injury on Tuesday.
Information from ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Ian Begley and Ohm Youngmisuk was used in this report.
Article Appeared @http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18440024/derrick-rose-missing-new-york-knicks-said-chicago-family-issue