Home NYC Teams

New York Knicks fall at the hands of Caris LeVert, Brooklyn Nets (Highlights)

The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets traded blows in the Barclays Center and in the end, Caris LeVert got the last laugh.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a fan of the New York Knicks or the Brooklyn Nets. Friday night, there was something for everyone. Although the game was a bit sloppy and haphazard at times, there were a lot of positives to take away for both teams.

The teams traded blows as the clock wound down in the fourth quarter. With the game tied and 15 seconds left, Caris LeVert let the clock run down, drove to the basket, and scored with one second remaining. That was the final blow and the Knicks weren’t able to convert a Tim Hardaway Jr. three at the buzzer.

For the Nets, Caris LeVert is a really good-looking player first and foremost. He’s so creative with his dribble and he’s an all-around impact guy. He scored 28 points on 61.5 percent shooting while chipping in six rebounds and five assists, but his most important moment was the final bucket that sealed the victory.

Jarrett Allen is an excellent rim-running big and he’s only 20-years-old. He had 15 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks. He is a force inside and he’s really dangerous in the pick and roll.

But Knicks fans should be excited about this performance despite the disappointing result. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Enes Kanter carried the load. They’re the veterans who are most fit to lead this squad and after two games, they’ve done just that. They each scored 29 points and Kanter added in 10 rebounds for good measure.

Frank Ntilikina had a slow start in the first half, but a seven-point outburst in the third quarter helped spur a big run from the Knicks to assert themselves back in the game. Ntilikina only finished with nine points but his presence was felt most on the defensive end. It’s funny because he can look robotic on offense at times, but he plays with such fluidity and instinct on the defensive end. You saw some of that fluidity in his offense tonight.

Additionally, Kevin Knox bounced back after a tough debut to his career. He finished with 17 points and hit some big shots late with defenders in his grill. He was 3-for-4 from deep and took Lance Thomas’ spot with the starting unit during the fourth quarter crunch time minutes.

There’s a lot for Knicks and Nets fans to be excited about. Both teams are playing clean and exciting basketball. Regardless of whether or not you like the result, you have to like the way both teams play tonight.

It might not be a rivalry yet, but it’s starting to feel like we’re heading in that direction.

 
NY/NJ hoops reporter (NBA/NCAA) & sports betting writer for XL Media. Never had the makings of a varsity athlete.