New York hopes to do a better job of protecting a lead in today’s rematch against Cam Thomas and the Brooklyn Bunch.
On Friday night, the New York Knicks (6-6) pulled off a dramatic 124-122 win over the Brooklyn Nets (5-8), barely surviving a 21-point second-half collapse. The game’s climax came when Jalen Brunson nailed a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, marking his second clutch shot attempt in as many games after Wednesday’s 124-123 loss to the Chicago Bulls. If today’s rematch comes down to yet another last-second shot, Jim Dolan should give fans vouchers for NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital’s cardiac care unit.
Brooklyn’s standout performer was Cam Thomas, who lit up the scoreboard with 47 points. The Nets dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Knicks 40-24 as Thomas poured in 12 points and Cam Johnson, previously napping, awoke to add 10. Despite the Nets’ strong finish, they couldn’t overcome Brunson’s late-game magic. Brunson ended with 37 points, scoring 16 in the fourth quarter alone to keep the Knicks in the game.
Defensively, neither team put on a clinic. Missing their starting center Nic Claxton, the Nets were outrebounded 45-37, and of all players, only Knicks rookie Pacome Dadiet managed a defensive rating below 120. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau will be looking for more defensive tenacity when these teams square off again.
New York is likely to be even more shorthanded than usual, with Miles McBride and Karl-Anthony Towns both nursing knee injuries today. Without KAT on Friday, the team stepped up, and four starters finished with double-digit points. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges contributed 25 and 22 points, respectively, with Anunoby on pace to reach 30 before fouling out with four minutes left in the game. To beat the spunky Brooklynites a second time, New York’s top guys will need to deliver more of the same.
The Knicks’ bench provided valuable support, with Cameron Payne, Dadiet, and rookie Ariel Hukporti combining for 22 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks, and two steals. Hukporti’s energy and blocking ability were particularly impressive; he recorded four swats (the team averages three per game). Thibs relied on Hukporti down the stretch, playing him for the entirety of the fourth quarter and 30 minutes overall, while Jericho Sims logged only 18 minutes. If KAT sits again, at least we’ll be treated to more of that Incredible Huk enthusiasm. And hey, Thibs—when he’s healthy again, why not try a little more KAT / HUK combo? Wouldn’t that let the sharpshooting savant Towns roam away from the rim without sacrificing rebounds?
Injury Report:
For the Nets: Bojan Bogdanovic, Nic Claxton, and Day’Ron Sharpe are all out. Trendon Watford is day-to-day with a hamstring issue.
For the Knicks: Miles McBride (knee) and Karl-Anthony Towns (knee, too) are listed as questionable for the game.
Prediction
ESPN.com favors the Knicks at 66% in Sunday’s rematch. This will be New York’s third of a four-game homestand, and it sure would be nice to get on the positive side of .500. Containing Cam Thomas will always be a problem, but the rest of the team is mostly easy pickings. Today New York will take an easier route to victory, building a lead early and resisting a fourth-quarter drop-off. ‘Bockers by +8.
Game Details
Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City
TV: MSG Network, YES Network
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