The Knicks are not letting go of the Magic one step, and the Nets are seeing the “play-in” move a little further away. This is the summary, in one sentence, of the results of this morning derby in New York. Thanks to a simple boost at the start of the 4th quarter, Donte DiVincenzo's teammates (31 points) repelled the Nets to win 105-93.
Before that, Brooklyn had offered very good basketball in the first quarter with nine assists on their first ten baskets, and Cam (Thomas and Johnson) skillful against the Knicks only in the reaction. With the exception of Miles McBride, very hot at 3-points, to prevent the Nets from widening the gap.
Donte's big peak
For 36 minutes, we were treated to an exchange of blows with the good Mikal Bridges to respond to the Brice-DiVincenzo duo. And then, after receiving another buzzer beater at the end of the quarter, the Knicks decided to tighten the screw. The defense is higher and more connected, and the Nets no longer find an easy shot! Each shot is on the verge of a brick…
On the other side of the field, Donte DiVincenzo delights, whether from the baseline or from 3-point range. In just three minutes, New York goes 12-0 to take… 12 points in advance (92-80). The former Warrior even offers himself a counter and then an interception to break the morale of the Nets. At the end, it will be the final difference since the Knicks win 105-93, and we note that Tom Thibodeau left McBride on the field throughout the match!
What you must remember
The Nets buzzer beaters. The demanding public at Madison Square Garden didn't have much to eat. Except two magnificent Nets buzzer beaters. Mikal Bridges' first at halftime, successful by taking momentum from his own 3-point line! The second is from Cam Thomas with a rainbow shot at the end of the 3rd quarter.
Pat Ewing is in the place. A former glory of the Knicks, big Pat rarely comes to the Garden, but the audience stood up when he was introduced. Fired a year ago from Georgetown, the former All-Star pivot has still not found a job.
The Knicks and the Magic are not parting ways. With this victory, the Knicks return to the level of the Magic with an identical record: 42 victories for 28 defeats. But New York remains 5th because Paolo Banchero's teammates have the tie-breaker. Virtually, Orlando has home field advantage if the two teams meet in the first round of the playoffs.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
