Kyle O'Quinn, New York Knicks out grit the Minnesota Timberwolves (Highlights)
Dec 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) passes the ball while defended by New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) and center Kyle O'Quinn (9) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Like Wednesday night, the Timberwolves scared the New York Knicks. Unlike Wednesday night, Kyle O’Quinn and company toughed it out.

  • New York Knicks 118 (10-9)
  • Minnesota Timberwolves 114 (5-14)
  • NBA, Final, Box Score
  • Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

It almost happened again. It didn’t, and this time the New York Knicks didn’t need a game-winning bucket from Carmelo Anthony to knock off the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

Much like Wednesday night’s game in Minny, the young T-Wolves furiously fought back from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter. In this one, at Madison Square Garden, they actually took a one-point lead a little past the midway point of the final frame thanks to offensive sloppiness from the Knicks.

In the end, though, New York’s grit was just too much.

The hero of the night came in the form of Kyle O’Quinn. With Joakim Noah missing his second straight game via injury, O’Quinn made the most of his second straight start. The five-year pro pulled down 13 tough boards (seven offensive) while adding 20 points on 9-11 from the floor.

Best yet, the Garden faithful let him hear how much they appreciated the Big Apple effort while he showcased incredible emotion all night.

O’Quinn’s play on this night had Charles Oakley and Anthony Mason dancing in the minds of throwback Knickerbocker fans. Karl-Anthony Towns, the young stud who poured 47 on New York two nights ago, was limited to 20 points on a poor 5-of-18 from the floor.

Carmelo Anthony led the way offensively with 27 points on 9-of-20 from the floor. Derrick Rose backed him up with 24 points and five assists. Kristaps Porzingis played through a rough night with a robust 11 points on 2-12 shooting.

Zach LaVine carried the hot hand for the T-Wolves tonight, leading the way with 23 points (9-18). But he, alone, wasn’t enough.

New York’s mentality on defense was in full effect all night. Minny could only muster 21 points in the first quarter as the Knicks led as many as 16 in the first half.

Now a game over .500 — for the second time in recent weeks — New York will stay in the city and welcome in the Sacramento Kings for a Sunday night affair.

 NEXT: Five areas of concern post-November 

 

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Robby Sabo
https://jetsxfactor.com
Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com

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