Kevin Durant erupted in Madison Square Garden to help the Golden State Warriors top the New York Knicks, but it was closer than you think.
- New York Knicks 101 (1-5)
- Golden State Warriors (5-1)
- NBA, East, Final, Box Score
- Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
The New York Knicks are vivacious and exciting, even if they aren’t closing out these games. A strong showing from the Knicks was ultimately undone by an unconscious Kevin Durant.
The Knicks were within striking distance late into the fourth quarter, but Durant started shooting and he wasn’t missing. Durant scored 25 points in the fourth quarter en route to a 41-point night. The Knicks had a three-point lead after three quarters, but they were outscored by a whopping 31-points in the fourth quarter (47-16).
But despite the Warriors avalanche that always feels inevitable, there were positive signs from tonight. David Fizdale might be ornery in the postgame due to his team’s struggles down the stretch, but the disappointment shouldn’t last long.
Frank Ntilikina was given his first chance as the starting point guard and he passed this test with flying colors. He tied a career-high with 17 points on 6-for-11 shooting. He was instrumental in a 13-2 run to end the first half that saw the Knicks shockingly send the game to halftime tied at 53.
Dotson had another solid game. He didn’t shoot quite as well as he has been, but he wasn’t overmatched on the court. He was matched up with Kevin Durant for much of his fourth-quarter outburst, but there was no stopping Durant tonight. Even when the defense was sound, he wasn’t being denied.
If nothing else, the Knicks are moving forward and the young guys are gaining excellent experience. The Warriors are the defending champs and the Knicks are letting a lot of young players learn on the job. There’s no shame in this loss. Durant was tantalizing the New York crowd with his fourth-quarter masterpiece. Not to mention, Stephen Curry scored a quiet 29 points on 6-for-11 from deep.
The Warriors are so darn good and the Knicks weren’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with them. Unfortunately, the Warriors are the much better team right now.
.@FrankLikina ??? pic.twitter.com/6vg9DT5Bnk
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 26, 2018
.@T_HardJR in his bag early. pic.twitter.com/VmNknsPkTZ
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 26, 2018
? Get out the way! ? pic.twitter.com/4Py4HCViDp
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 27, 2018
.@Enes_Kanter had him leaning ? pic.twitter.com/18J9stN4v8
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 27, 2018
20/20 @Enes_Kanter pic.twitter.com/iodynrMTLC
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 27, 2018
⚪Light wash
?Spin cycle pic.twitter.com/UHv8l1Faxa— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 27, 2018
That's a no from @NoahVonleh, dawg. pic.twitter.com/V9XXTY8k2r
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 27, 2018
Got 'em. pic.twitter.com/W99h2NOyRK
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 27, 2018
.@wholeteamDot back where he left off. pic.twitter.com/wQy0SIZiGR
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 27, 2018
That wingspan ? pic.twitter.com/U3LsMTNFrp
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 27, 2018
Taking flight ✈️ pic.twitter.com/igPLK0g6cw
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 27, 2018
That first step… pic.twitter.com/MXOQvZq4zg
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 27, 2018
We see you Klay ??
? @NBCSAuthentic & @NBATV pic.twitter.com/vXQDFOkavy
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) October 27, 2018
Pretty standard ?
Tune-in now on @NBCSAuthentic or @NBATV ? pic.twitter.com/0UARGc7QiP
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) October 27, 2018
Drive it in, KD ?
? @NBCSAuthentic & @NBATV pic.twitter.com/v6rTya4Lni
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) October 27, 2018
