Knicks Battle Nets In Loss

 

 

By Andrew Rosario

 

No team in any sport will admit to feeling good about losing. The term “consolation losses” do not resonate with players or coaches. That said, the New York Knicks have a lot to take away from their 114-112 loss to the Brooklyn Nets Monday night at the Barclays Center. New York took a 10-point halftime lead (67-57) after going on a 14-6 run to end the half. The Knicks bench was big in the first half as they scored 29 points, led by Derrick Rose’s 15 points. 

 

Brooklyn was again without Kevin Durant (hamstring) but started both James Harden and Kyrie Irving. Unfortunately, Harden’s return would be short lived as he re-injured his right hamstring early in the game. The Knicks added to their lead to begin the third quarter (74-62) after RJ Barrett scored 4 straight points. Brooklyn would force 7 New York turnovers in the third quarter going on a 14-2 run giving them a 89-88 lead to start the final quarter. Irving took over from them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By the end of the night, the enigmatic guard would finish his night with 40 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists in 37 minutes. Said first year head coach Steve Nash of his star player, “he’s just an amazing basketball player and he found a way to keep our team in it for big stretches. He was able to come in and close.”

 

One off the biggest reasons New York was in the game was because of the performance of forward Julius Randle who continued his All Star season. Randle finished his with 19 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists in his fourth triple-double of the season. Along with RJ Barrett (22 points) and Reggie Bullock (21 points) the Knicks gave Brooklyn all they could handle but could not contain their game high 14-point lead. 

 

At 97-94, Irving showed why he is one off the most electrifying players in the league. Defended by Randle, he crosses over and steps back draining a 3-pointer. Not to be discouraged, Barrett scores the next 4-points, cutting the lead to 1(102-101) before Irving strikes again. This time, with 59.3 left, going one on one with Elfrid Payton in his face, Kyrie drains another 3-pointer. But there would be no quit in New York. Down 3 with 25.5 left, Alec Burk steps back and nails a 3-pointer tying the game at 112. Nets Jeff Green hauls in a offensive rebound on the Joe Harris missed jumper and gets fouled. After making both free throws, New York has a chance to send the game into overtime. Randall’s fadeaway hits the back of the rim.

 

Irving talked about the games waning moments. “I’m sorry fans at home, I’m sorry my family, he began. “I gotta be better. They started doubling me towards the end of the game. You gotta give credit, where credit is due,” speaking of the Knicks. “We just want to come out and handle our business,” he concluded.

 

The Brooklyn was their 8th straight home victory. It also evened the overall series between both teams at 101. The Nets hosted New Orleans last night before the Lakers come to town Saturday night on prime TV. New York traveled to Boston last night before returning home Saturday night against the Grizzlies.