Rivals Week in the NBA has arrived and the atmosphere at the Barclays Center did not disappoint. Losing 10 games out of their last 12, the Brooklyn Nets looked to bounce back in their match-up against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night, but unfortunately took the loss after blowing the lead on their home court.
The Knicks Climb to the Top
With the Knicks climbing up the ladder and standing at No. 5 in the Eastern Conference, many are quick to contribute this success to the acquirement of small forward, three-point shooter OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors. Averaging just six assists per game prior to the trade, point guard Jalen Brunson has quickly become a star floor general and even locked in the number seven spot in assists per game within the league upon Anunoby’s arrival. With Isaiah Hartenstein out, expectations are high for this duo along with Julius Randle who recorded a triple-double with 18 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists during Saturday's 126-100 win over Toronto.
Nail-Biting Rivalry Match
Both teams went neck and neck in the first and second quarters in a contested back-and-forth matchup while New York kept the pace as Brooklyn held their own. While neither the Knicks nor the Nets showed off early on from beyond the arc, they continued to prove themselves in the paint. The Knicks have still not managed to clean up their turnovers having averaged 16 per game since January 1, giving up eight in the first half and allowing the Nets seven extra points at the end of the second. Jericho Sims on the other hand had himself a career-high four blocks in the first quarter.
Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 15 while Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle combined for 31 points for the Knicks at the half.
Despite New York being up 50-49 to start the second half, the Knicks' defense was no match for the hot-handed Mikal Bridges with 33 points heading into the fourth with a career-high seven three-point shots made. The Nets were able to ignite a lead and wrapped up the third leading 85-76 scoring 36 points by the end of the quarter.
Mikal 3P Counter: 👌👌👌👌👌 pic.twitter.com/lPujBkr8VF
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 24, 2024
New York continued to trail behind the Nets for all of the fourth until Julius Randle knocked it in for two allowing the Knicks to take the lead 98-97 with 3:57 left to go.
THROW IT DOWN 🔨 pic.twitter.com/vggHc5Za0u
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 24, 2024
The Barclays Center quickly became overtaken by Knicks fans as chaotic final three minutes unfolded with New York quickly outscoring Brooklyn in the fourth to secure their four-game win streak. Julius Randle & Jalen Brunson matched with 30 points each to lead the Knicks 108-103 over the Nets, making them 10-2 since OG Anunoby joined the squad.
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