New York Knicks Lose 96-92 on Walt “Clyde” Frazier Appreciation Night

Friday night was Walt “Clyde” Frazier appreciation night at Madison Square Garden, being logistically the closest home game to Frazier’s actual birthday on Sunday March 29^th.

The highlight of the game came after a nice defensive play, followed up by a hustle effort play that exemplified the type of basketball Frazier was accustomed to when he brought New York NBA Championships in 1970 and 1973, when Langston Galloway jumped the passing lane and stole the ball from Evan Turner. Turner though did not give up on the play, contesting Galloway well at the rim. Galloway missed the layup, though Lance Thomas did not take it for granted that Galloway would convert on the fast-break and hustled back and followed up the missed shot. Knicks were within one point after the play, losing 8-9.

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The Boston Celtics immediately took their first timeout of the game after that play. During the timeout Frazier was honored on the court with Four Tops singing Happy Birthday to him. Frazier whom normally does not celebrate birthdays and does not care for surprises (said on air after performance on MSG), genuinely seemed pleasantly surprised.

Madison Square Garden had their fun during Walt “Clyde” Frazier appreciation night.

The Celtics took the lead for good on an Isiah Thomas four-point play and never looked back, leading 21-20 with a little under a minute remaining left in the first quarter. Boston led 47-39 at halftime, both teams shot 43.6% from the field but the Celtics were able to get to the line. Boston capitalized at the charity stripe, going a perfect 10/10 from the free throw line.

Fans at Madison Square Garden were treated to more Four Tops during the intermission, as they performed as the halftime entertainment.

New York made a late push, down by as many as 11 points in the game, Cleanthony Early came from the three-point line on a free throw attempt and tipped the ball in after the miss, then after a couple Turner free throws, Galloway knocked down a three-pointer to get within four points, 88-92 with 25.9 seconds left in the game. Isaiah Thomas split his free throws after getting fouled intentionally to prolong the game, but Galloway could not duplicate his previous clutch shooting and the game was essentially over from that point on.

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Five Celtics reached double figures scoring, four of which scored 15 points or more. Isaiah Thomas led the way with 18 points despite a 4/13 shooting performance. The Knicks had trouble containing Thomas, as he got to the rim and either got fouled or dished it off to an open teammate. Thomas had the best +/- in the game with a +16 for the night.

New York also had five players in double figures scoring, led by Andrea Bargnani’s game high 25 points. The Knicks could not contain the dribble penetration of the Celtics, and consequently kept fouling, putting Boston on the free throw line time and time again. The Celtics attempted 43 free throws! Boston converted on 79.1% of those free throws.

Fellow MSG staff members paid their tribute to “Clyde” Friday night.