The New York Knicks escaped losing a big lead to defeat the Golden State Warriors in overtime, 124-122.
Mike Miller, in his third game as interim head coach, lost a 22 point lead but pulled his team through in a thrilling overtime finish as the New York Knicks snap a 10-game losing streak in a 124-122 win. This was a hard-fought duel with the Golden State Warriors, who kept coming back but couldn’t pull it off in the final minutes of overtime.
The third quarter changed everything. The Warriors came out determined to defend their home turf and with the help of the Knicks’ point guards, they did just that. The Knicks finished that period with 10 turnovers.
With 8:06 left in the fourth, the Warriors take their first lead since the first quarter and ended regulation tied with the Knicks 112-112.
Marcus Morris, Sr., RJ Barrett, and Julius Randle had huge games for their team. With both teams desperately trying to win so as not to be the worst in the league, the veteran the rookie and the power forward pulled out the stops and helped the team get the win.
Although the team blew their 22 point lead, it was not because of RJ. The rookie was no holds barred as he scored a double-double. Barrett played the longest period of his NBA career, 46 minutes. In that time he scored 22 points, and with his tenth rebound in overtime, cemented the best game of his young career. At the half, he already had 16 points and six rebounds. The Warriors’ Marquese Chriss rode the rookie hard the entire game, even jawing with him at times, but it never deterred him and it seemed to not phase him at all. Great game overall.
The veteran led his team. His leadership was desperately needed to keep their heads up as they blew that 22 point lead. Playing 36 minutes Morris had his own double-double with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and five 3-pointers. With 10 of 12 from the free-throw line, Morris showed the young ones just how important it is to make those free throws.
Julius Randle played a great game, posting a double-double. In 38 minutes, Randle had 24 points and 13 rebounds, including a trio of 3-pointers. His plus/minus was +13.
Elfrid Payton had five turnovers, but without him, this win doesn’t happen. That’s why he has a B grade. He was not the starting point guard but the finisher, with14 points, four rebounds, and one steal. He held the Warriors’ Burke at bay although he was an overbearing presence on him, Payton plowed through, visibly fatigued.
Bobby Portis also did not start tonight’s game but like Payton, he helped to finish it. Playing 24 minutes, Portis had 15 points and three rebounds. He was the fifth Knick in double figures.
The guys are getting these grades because of how they held on and won this must-win game, not giving up in the fourth as they’ve been known to do. There was a different atmosphere on the bench and throughout the team and hopefully, the team is feeling the heaviness of the past weeks lifting from them.
Other Takeaways
- Kevin Knox II had two points, but he showed what he could do on the defensive end, finally using his body to block shots and defend the basket.
- Mitchell Robinson played 29 minutes had nine points and three blocks. To his credit he did not get in foul trouble, having only three fouls.
- Dennis Smith, Jr. did not play due to illness. Wayne Ellington is still out with an injured left Achilles injury.
- Allonzo Trier did not play due to coach’s decision.
The New York Knicks will continue their road trip against the Sacramento Kings on Friday, Dec. 13.