Durant Puts On A Show At MSG
Knicks fans were given a reason to cheer for all four quarters at the Garden on Friday in what was a surprise to many.
In the fourth quarter, though, it was Kevin Durant giving the New York crowd all of the reasons to stand from their seats.
The Golden State Warriors defeated the New York Knicks 128-100 on Friday night at Madison Square Garden to extend New York’s skid to five games.
A Knicks fan prior to Friday night posted a Billboard in New York City that served as a pitch to Kevin Durant coming to the Big Apple next summer.
While that may not be the case, Durant reminded everyone at the Garden why he’s to be coveted by many this upcoming offseason.
Kevin Durant scorched the New York Knicks for 41 points on Friday night as he led the charge to a furious fourth quarter by Golden State.
Durant exploded for 25 points in the fourth quarter as he went 10-for-13 from the floor, with his last two baskets being deep range 3-pointers that thrilled the fans at the Garden.
Not uncharacteristic of Golden State to overlook an opponent like the Knicks early in the season, the NBA’s gold standard kicked it into high gear in the fourth quarter vs the young Knicks.
Golden State outscored New York 47-16 in a earth shattering fourth quarter display for the defending champs.
Golden State shot 58 percent from the field while hitting 16 of their 33 3-pointers on the night. New York would shoot 43 percent from the field while hitting 13 of their 39 3-pointers.
The New York Knicks held a 84-81 lead over the Golden State Warriors as they had taken advantage of a sloppy third quarter showing by Golden State.
In that same quarter they held a 78-69 lead as they had Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden partying like it was 1973.
Knicks coach David Fizdale made notable moves to New York’s starting lineup as he went with Noah Vonleh, Mitchell Robinson and Damyean Dotson as Trey Burke, Lance Thomas and Enes Kanter came off the bench.
New York’s much improved effort and on-court performance was a win for David Fizdale and the Knicks considering the matchup vs an NBA juggernaut.
Expected to be blown off the floor by Golden State, the Knicks can take tonight’s loss as a positive despite the margin of defeat and loss meaning their regular-season record now sits at 1-5.
Fizdale and the Knicks got a scare after Tim Hardaway Jr. injured his knee after bumping knees with Kevin Durant late in the second quarter and had to remain down out of bounds for a while.
Hardaway Jr. would luckily be able to finish the game as he led the Knicks with 24 points on the night.
The New York Knicks will get two days off before hosting the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night as they look to end their five-game skid.
What is your take on the Knicks loss tonight? Leave your comments below!