New York – At Madison Square Garden on Wednesday evening, the Brooklyn Nets clawed back from 28 points down to complete their largest deficit win in franchise history since 2019. Brooklyn defeated the New York Knicks by a final score of 111-106. Cam Thomas nailed the deep three-point dagger from the logo to seal the win over crosstown rival New York. Rookie sensation Thomas scored 16 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter alone.
As the crowd in the Mecca grew in disbelief, former 27th overall pick Cam Thomas sparked Brooklyn with a second half resurgence on offense. The 20 -year old Thomas is averaging 21 points per game in his last four games. Despite missing Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving along with Ben Simmons, Brooklyn was able to pull off the road upset.
Clutch shot making by veteran forward Lamarcus Aldridge overwhelmed the Knicks interior defensive sets. The second chance points by Brooklyn were a significant factor in this matchup. Uniquely, the Nets scored 22 second points compared to seven of the Knicks second chance points.
In 37 minutes played, former Most Improved Player of the Year winner Julius Randle finished the night with 31 points and 10 boards. On the defensive end, Randle displayed his talent by tallying 2 blocks and one steal.
In crunch time, the combination of poor shot selections and lack of defense cost New York the win. Not to mention, the Knicks failed to score 20 points in the fourth quarter. New York falls to 0-2 on the season’s highly anticipated matchup against Brooklyn.
Just as much as New Yorkers have to face a straining cold February, the Knicks have been on a tough downfall of their own. In the month of February, New York is 1-7 and has given up 118.8 points per game. Unfortunately, due to an injury suffered by Derrick Rose and Kemba Walker’s inability to consistently be a scoring option. New York is lacking efficient play in the guard position. The Knicks enter the NBA All-Star break with a record of 25-34 and currently pan out at the 12th spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
Entering halftime down 65-44. Second year Nets head coach Steve Nash described the team’s mindset in regards to matching up against the Knicks.
“This is a playoff-type physicality and we have to be more physical offensively. We have to be more physical defensively. And it’s a test of our character”.
New additions guard Seth Curry and center Andre Drummond are already setting their mark on Brooklyn. Seth Curry has scored 20 or more points in his first two games with the Nets. What’s more, Curry is shooting 9- of 17 from behind the arc. Drummond, 28, has totaled 28 rebounds in his first two games with the Nets. Brooklyn is 2-0 since Curry and Drummond joined the team. The Nets look to gain momentum from this historic comeback.
As of today, Brooklyn is 31-27. That marks the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference standings. The Nets will face the Washington Wizards Thursday evening at the Barclays Center before heading into the NBA All Star break.
With only 24 regular games remaining, Brooklyn is hopeful to have Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and new addition Ben Simmons on the court together to build chemistry among one another.
