Kyrie Irving bounces back from Wednesday’s loss with a clutch fourth quarter to give the Brooklyn Nets the win over the New York Knicks.
- New York Knicks 109 (0-2)
- Brooklyn Nets 113 (1-1)
- NBA, Final, Box Score
- Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
The Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks might have something here. The crosstown rivals didn’t disappoint either fan base on Friday night. Although the Knicks gave Brooklyn their best shot, I’m running out of ways to describe Kyrie Irving and we’re only two games into the season.
Just two nights after missing a game-winner in overtime, Irving made the big shots late to put the Nets over the top.
It wasn’t his best night shooting, but man oh man, Kyrie Irving is a superstar. Clutch, clutch, clutch. #WeGoHard pic.twitter.com/eRFo5OoCOV
— ESNY (@EliteSportsNY) October 26, 2019
It wasn’t Kyrie’s best night. He struggled to hit from deep for most of the game, but it’s unfair to expect 50-point barrages from the All-NBA point guard all season long.
Irving showcased his usual brilliant ballhandling and the Knicks struggled to find an answer for him when it mattered most. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying Irving’s unreal ability to manipulate the basketball in ways I’m still not sure are humanly possible.
Kyrie Irving is playing like he’s facing St. Anthony’s or something pic.twitter.com/5UgSkAiJEh
— Danny Small (@dwsmall8) October 26, 2019
Kyrie is so crafty. Ridiculous finish. #WeGoHard pic.twitter.com/JMvva2C5oU
— ESNY (@EliteSportsNY) October 26, 2019
Irving and the Nets abused the Knicks with high pick-and-rolls. Brooklyn jumped out to a huge first-half lead with the help of Spencer Dinwiddie and Caris LeVert going downhill at Knick defenders.
Spencer Dinwiddie and DeAndre Jordan are figuring each other out now. #WeGoHard pic.twitter.com/4esSA0ijLl
— ESNY (@EliteSportsNY) October 26, 2019
Nets are taking it to the Knicks with the high pick-and-roll. Abusing it. #WeGoHard #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/vlBUSnLgPs
— ESNY (@EliteSportsNY) October 26, 2019
Dinwiddie is starting to cook. #WeGoHard pic.twitter.com/qcMERkT4Uu
— ESNY (@EliteSportsNY) October 26, 2019
The Knicks are going to be disappointed with the loss, but there are plenty of positives to take away. The bench production from Allonzo Trier and Kevin Knox spurred the Knicks to a second-half comeback.
There are aspects of Trier’s game that need improving, but he is a certified bucket. He finished with 22 points on 6-for-7 shooting from the floor. Knox, on the other hand, was an assassin from behind the arc. His four makes on four attempts were crucial in keeping the Knicks within striking distance.
Kevin Knox drills the three-ball. #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/tp4S8daJ5i
— ESNY (@EliteSportsNY) October 26, 2019
Knox is back at it again. #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/YxRE9W7IoJ
— ESNY (@EliteSportsNY) October 26, 2019
Caris LeVert loses Allonzo Trier. You don’t want to do that. #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/3GJvR9ujmt
— ESNY (@EliteSportsNY) October 26, 2019
Kevin Freaking Knox. #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/SPxUUMG722
— ESNY (@EliteSportsNY) October 26, 2019
Took a little while for Kevin Knox to get downhill, but what a finish. #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/ERfiW5PoCP
— ESNY (@EliteSportsNY) October 26, 2019
Aside from Trier and Knox’s shooting surges, the Knicks can hang their hat on their fourth-quarter defense. After allowing 94 points through three quarters, the defense hardened in the fourth quarter, holding the high-flying Nets to just 19 points.
It wasn’t enough to steal a victory in the Barclays Center, but it was enough to make Nets fans sweat it out.
And oh yeah, there was a (very) mild altercation in the second quarter that makes it feel like this rivalry has some potential. All in all, New Yorkers were treated to an entertaining night of basketball. We have three more meetings between these two sides and let’s hope they’re all this much fun.
