You could see it coming.
Golden State took off to an early 10-pt lead in the 1st quarter.
But the Knicks battled them back all evening, taking the lead in the 3rd on a Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden with about 2,ooo fans in attendance — the first live fans at the Garden in a year.
Golden State battled back and took a 12-pt lead in the 3rd. The Knicks battled back and tied it 97-97 with 3:50 left in the game.
But you could still see it coming…
1. Golden State Won the Last Battle
Stephen Curry hit a 3 with Elfrid Payton in his face on the left sideline and it was 100-97 Golden State with 3:38 left. And that gave them the edge they never relinquished.
Both teams play great defense. The Knicks couldn’t get the big bucket, or thwart Golden State, who either got buckets or foul calls to go to the line.
You could just see it coming.
2. Golden State Got the Foul Calls
After the game, Derrick Rose, when asked why Golden State won, said they got the foul calls.
"We weren't getting the same calls, to be honest"
Derrick Rose wasn't happy with the inconsistent officiating as the Knicks were making a push in the 4th quarter vs. Golden State pic.twitter.com/eRxr5PzYRI
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) February 24, 2021
3. Payton & Rose Great
Elfrid Payton played great on offense and defense — running through screens and hounding Stephen Curry all evening.
EP staying aggressive pic.twitter.com/524EkKQNSj
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 24, 2021
Derrick Rose broke out of a 2-game slump with 16 pts and 8 assists for a +12.
4. Golden State Defense Thwarted Other Knicks
RJ Barrett had 10 rebounds in 27 minutes before fouling out. But his offense was horrendous — 1-9 shooting (1-3 from 3) for 4 pts and a -21. That was due in part to Golden State’s Defense, which came in 4th in the NBA — they guarded the paint well, hounding Knick shooters. And as Rose said again, Knick players were going into the lane and not getting the call; Golden State was going into the lane, and getting the calls.
Immanuel Quickley was also thwarted again — 1-5 from the floor for 3 points in 13 minutes. Coach Tom Thibodeau obviously had Payton in most of the evening for his defense against Curry.
Attack mode 😤 pic.twitter.com/54JoM148vI
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 24, 2021
Randle Named an All Star Before the Game
Julius Randle was named an All Star before the game — a huge event as it is so hard to make the All Star team in the NBA, with only 24 players named. Before the game, MSG played a video from Julius’ mom on the overhead, congratulating him.
Nothing like a message from mom 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/CDvODtqhYr
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 24, 2021
Other Knicks
Obi Toppin played well — with his mom watching in the stands for the first time. He was 3-3 for 7 points and a +12 in 13 minutes, including a terrific dunk and his now-patented postup play.
Obi muscles it in 💪 pic.twitter.com/1ceZ306l4F
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 24, 2021
Be the first to comment