Nets Hold Off Pesky Knicks

 

 

By Andrew Rosario

 

The Brooklyn Nets held off a stubborn New York Knicks team Monday night 117-112 at Barclays Center in a game that for the most part was dominated by Brooklyn. The bearded one, James Harden registered his 10th triple double this year finishing his night with 21 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists. Teammate Kylie Irving led all scorers with 34 points. The Knicks had 5 players who scored in double figures with Julius Randle leading the team with 33 points.

 

 

Brooklyn extended their 5-point lead after the first quarter (35-30) going into halftime up by 12 (67-55) and by the end of the third quarter it looked like the game would be a blowout as the Nets were up by 17. The Knicks have shown all year they play hard to the very end. Monday night was no different.

 

Down by double digits (96-84) to begin the fourth quarter, New York made their run closing the gap to as little as 4-points 107-103 with 4:29 left. Down by 3 and looking for an opportunity to tie the game, Randle attempts a 3-pointer. Irving gets his hand on the ball forcing Randle to dribble again and is called for traveling. Randle vehemently pleads his case to no avail. Harden gets fouled hits 2-free throws thus sealing the win. Randle had to held back from teammates as he tried to confront the officials. He slammed a chair to the ground on his way to the locker-room. Randle would not comment on the play. “I just think that it’s best that I move on and not comment on what I think or what the officials thought.”

 

Nets first year head coach Steve Nash was quick to praise the Knicks and their effort. “You tip your hats to the Knicks,” he started. “They played hard and made it difficult for us.”

 

The loss dropped the Knicks record to .500 (20-20) while the Nets improved to 27-13. If the playoffs were to begin this week, they would face each other in the first round. Newly signed Blake Griffin did not play as well as Kevin Durant who is still recovering from a hamstring injury. 

 

New York played Philadelphia Tuesday night and did not have to deal with their center Joel Embid who is out with a sprained knee. They return to the Garden tonight to host the Orlando Magic. The Nets traveled to Indiana Wednesday night and Orlando Friday before returning home Sunday to face the Washington Wizards.