Kevin Seraphin Hero in Heartwarming Knicks Win Over Pelicans

The New York Knicks for the second time in two weeks played a Sunday afternoon game, taking on the New Orleans Pelicans for the matinée special.

New Orleans’ superstar Anthony Davis missed the last couple of games dealing with a contusion in his right hip. Unfortunately for New York, he made his return in Madison Square Garden.

Davis did not disappoint in his return, and schooled Kristaps Porzingis early and often. Davis finished the game with 36 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks.

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Porzingis was matched up with Davis and despite getting constantly scored on, he did not get demoralized. In fact, he went aggressively straight back at Davis. Taking a lot of shots early uncharacteristically, albeit in unsuccessful fashion. Porzingis went 1/7 from the field in the first quarter. Porzingis even got his jump shot blocked a couple of times by Davis in the first half, something I am sure he is not accustomed to. Porzingis would finish the game shooting 4/15 for ten points, as he continued to struggle in the second half.

Even though Porzingis was unsuccessful, I really liked the mindset to go back at a superstar of Davis statue. Aggressively attacking Davis on the offensive end early in the game. That is the type of attitude you like to see from the young rookie.

New Orleans lead by as many as eight points in the first half. New York was able to erase the deficit and claim the lead briefly with a 11-2 run late in the second quarter, led by Carmelo Anthony who scored six straight points during the comeback.

New York entered halftime with only a 44-42 deficit despite shooting only 33.3% from the field. The Knicks stayed in the game with offensive rebounds, holding a 9-1 advantage in this category at halftime. New York capitalized on the offensive rebounds with 15 second chance points in the first half.

New York came out strong in the second half, going on a 8-0 run to lead 50-44 early in the third quarter. New Orleans though would go on a 8-0 of their own midway through the period to tie the game up at 56 each.

Kevin Seraphin who is emotional distracted with the horrific terrorist attacks on his homeland in Paris, gave a huge lift to the Knicks late in the third quarter. Seraphin scored six points late, including a buzzer beater to give New York a 68-65 lead entering the final period.

Next: Knicks' Kevin Seraphin Comments on Attacks in Paris

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The Knicks took a double digit lead midway through the fourth quarter behind a 14-4 run. Seraphin led the way with a couple of baskets in the paint and a couple of beautiful assists. Seraphin had his best game as a Knicks, finishing the game with 12 points, 3 rebounds, and two assists in 14 impactful minutes.

New York went on to win the game 95-87 and it was heartwarming to see Seraphin play so well after the terrorist attacks in Paris. Seraphin was clearly affected by the attacks, shaving the back of his head to show his support for his homeland.

Next: Knicks Take to Social Media About Paris Attacks

Anthony had a great game, finishing with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 assists. Anthony finished the game with the best +/- of the afternoon, with a plus 10. But it was definitely Kevin Seraphin that stole the show late, which was great to see. For at least two and a half hours, Seraphin could have some peace of mind to just go out to work on the court. And go to work he did.

Pray for Paris.