New York Knicks Stun Oklahoma City, Defeating Thunder 100-92

Oklahoma City Thunder came into Madison Square Garden Wednesday night without superstar Kevin Durant, out with a sprained big toe on his left foot.

The game was ugly and sloppy to start, with both teams shooting sub 40% from the field. Oklahoma City did not take care of the basketball in the first quarter, turning the ball over eight times in the opening period. Russell Westbrook was the main culprit, Westbrook got caught in mid-air and passed it to his big men, whom not expecting the ball, would fumble the ball away as they tried to get a grip on it. The turnovers were attributed to the big men on the box score instead of Westbrook, but it was due to his indecisiveness that caused these miscues. Even with all the extra possessions for New York, the Knicks could not take advantage, leading only by one point after the opening period 20-19.

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The Thunder kept the game close by constantly attacking the paint, and getting to the free throw line. Oklahoma City scored 26 points in the paint in the first half, and got to the free throw line eight times. The Thunder went on a 13-4 run when the bench for the Knicks started the second half. Lance Thomas was the only player that scored for New York in a five minute span. Derek Fisher would get the starters back into the game, and the Knicks immediately went on a 10-2 run, tying up the game at 34 apiece. The run was powered by Carmelo Anthony, who attacked the paint and overwhelmed the Thunder. Lou Amundson was also key in the run, Amundson was a mad man on defense, getting a couple of blocks, charges, points and rebounds during the short stint on the floor.

Westbrook took over the game late in the second quarter, personally responsible for 13 of the last 15 points scored to end the first half, with nine points and an assist to Steven Adams for an alley oop dunk. Most impressive was when Westbrook tried to go two-for-one and ended up converting on a crazy three-pointer, where he literally fallen over Galloway with 25.3 seconds remaining in the second quarter. Oklahoma City led 45-43 after the first half.

Both teams would go back and forth in the third quarter, exchanging leads six times and tying the game up three times. Both teams’ superstar player also scored 11 points each in the quarter as well.

Tim Hardaway Jr. and Thomas combined to go on a 12-2 run early in the fourth quarter to give New York an 82-73 lead mid-way through the fourth quarter. Oklahoma City during this run, only managed a garbage tip-in basket in the span of five minutes of play.

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Westbrook responded by scoring seven points in less than a minute, to get the Thunder within one possession 82-80. Westbrook shot five straight free throws, drawing a dumb foul from Galloway on a three-point attempt, and then on the ensuing possession stealing the ball from Galloway, going straight to the rim and getting fouled. On the following possession, Westbrook would quickly knock down a pull up shot. Westbrook finished the game with a game high 40 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assist.

With increased defensive intensity from Oklahoma City, New York needed to take a timeout, inbounding the ball from the baseline, Galloway bailed the Knicks out with a tough bank in shot. This ignited a 10-0 run, with the Knicks leading by a dozen 92-80 with 2:35 remaining in the game.

Oklahoma City did not really threaten again, getting as close as five points late, but New York sealed the game at the free throw line. Madison Square Garden gave the Knicks a standing ovation after the 100-92 victory. Anthony finished the game with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assist. New York shared the ball well Wednesday night, with five players in double digit scoring, as well as 29 assist collectively as a team.