Jalen Brunson’s clutch 3-pointer with just 6.2 seconds remaining secured a thrilling 124-122 victory for the New York Knicks over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night, marking their second consecutive win in the NBA Cup. This remarkable shot came after the Knicks had squandered a substantial 21-point advantage, showcasing the intensity of the rivalry.
Brunson had faced disappointment just days earlier when he missed a potential game-winner against the Chicago Bulls. However, he rose to the occasion in this matchup, finishing with an impressive 37 points. OG Anunoby contributed significantly with 25 points, while Mikal Bridges added 22 against his former team. Bridges also played a crucial defensive role by partially blocking Dennis Schroder’s layup attempt during the Nets’ final possession.
Cam Thomas shone for the Nets, scoring a season-high 43 points, marking his ninth career game with 40 or more points and his second at Madison Square Garden, a venue known for its electrifying atmosphere.
The Knicks played without their starting center, Karl-Anthony Towns, who was resting due to a bruised left knee. Despite this setback, they led 98-77 with just 30 seconds left in the third quarter. The thrilling contest was the first of a weekend series between the two teams, with a rematch set for Sunday at Madison Square Garden. Fans can expect the court to return to its usual colors after being painted orange for the tournament game.
Takeaways
Nets: With starting center Nic Claxton sidelined for at least a week due to a lower back strain requiring an epidural injection, the Nets found themselves at a disadvantage. The lack of size was evident as they were outrebounded 45-37 on Friday.
Knicks: New York had an opportunity to secure a more comfortable victory margin, which could prove beneficial for tiebreaker scenarios in the ongoing tournament.
Key moment
A pivotal moment occurred when Nets coach Jordi Fernandez challenged a call with 4:15 left on a play involving Dorian Finney-Smith. The review revealed that OG Anunoby had fouled Finney-Smith before the ball went out of bounds, resulting in Anunoby’s sixth foul and his exit from the game, impacting the Knicks’ defensive strategy.
Key stat
108-107. With this victory, the Knicks regained the lead in their all-time series against their city rivals, adding another chapter to this storied rivalry.
