Mikal Bridges didn’t get a tribute video in his return to Barclays Middle on Tuesday, however he did get a “Welcome back” graphic that was displayed on the jumbotron when the Knicks‘ starters were introduced.
Nostalgia aside, the latest entry in the NBA’s interborough rivalry proved to be a warfare — one which Bridges and the Knicks finally prevailed in 99-95.
“It was cool, man,” Bridges mentioned. “Saw a lot of my old teammates and staff and everybody, so it was great to see them.”
Despite the fact that the Nets have been as soon as once more enjoying shorthanded with out Cam Thomas (left hamstring pressure), Ben Simmons (sickness), Ziaire Williams (left ankle sprain) and Trendon Watford (left hamstring pressure), they overcame an early 15-5 deficit to take a 26-24 lead into the second quarter — and continued to compete all through regulation.
Brooklyn, which entered the evening with three straight losses, restricted the Knicks to 37.5% taking pictures within the opening quarter and simply 9 factors within the last 7:35. The Knicks’ common host of starters — Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Cities — all performed.
Nonetheless, the Knicks dominated the second quarter 35-25, fueled by Cities, who dropped 12 factors within the interval on 5-for-6 taking pictures. His scoring outburst, mixed with a 59.1% staff taking pictures effort, added as much as a 59-51 Knicks benefit at halftime.
Nets heart Nic Claxton had no reply for Cities at both finish of the courtroom early. He was a team-worst minus-20 in 15 first-half minutes. Cam Johnson and D’Angelo Russell mixed for twenty-four factors by way of two-quarters of motion, doing their finest to maintain Brooklyn afloat.
Claxton, to his credit score, appeared extra energized within the second half. He was extra aggressive on offense, though he nonetheless had bother ending across the rim, and he lastly made his presence felt on the glass.
Nonetheless, the Knicks restricted Cam Johnson to 2 factors within the third quarter whereas Cities stored pouring it on with little resistance. As soon as Russell checked out briefly after selecting up his fourth foul with 6:36 left within the interval, the Knicks responded with an 8-0 run to go up 76-64. The Nets had 5 turnovers within the third quarter, leading to eight further factors for the Knicks, and went into the fourth down 84-75.
It received tight late. A Brunson miss, adopted by a Cam Johnson dunk in transition, made it an 87-85 recreation with 6:03 left. After a Knicks timeout, Cities missed a straightforward look 4 toes from the rim, then Keon Johnson knocked down his first 3-pointer of the evening from the appropriate wing.
Similar to that, the Nets led 88-87, however the Knicks rapidly snatched again momentum and have been up 97-95 with 23 seconds left. The Nets had possession with an opportunity to tie or take the lead.
Jordi Fernandez drew up a play for Cam Johnson on the high of the important thing, and his staff executed to close perfection. However he missed the open 27-footer off the again of the rim, forcing Brooklyn to foul on the Knicks’ ensuing possession. Brunson iced the sport out on the free throw line, with “MVP” chants echoing all through the sector.
“We were in mud, but I think our defense was really good and we found a way to win the game,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned. “You’ve got to win games different ways. Just find a way to win. We got timely stops; we got some big-time hustle plays. OG was terrific. Josh Hart terrific. Mikal terrific. KAT and Jalen got going at the end. Timely plays. And so just find a way to win. That’s the bottom line.”
Russell completed with 23 factors and 10 assists in 32 minutes — essentially the most minutes he’s performed since returning to Brooklyn — notching his second 20/10 recreation of the season and his first this season with the Nets. He additionally recorded a career-high-tying three blocked pictures.
“I’ll never take being able to play free basketball like this for granted again,” Russell mentioned.
Cam Johnson added 16 factors however did it on a 6-for-20 clip. And after a gradual begin, Claxton wound up matching his season highs in rebounds (12) and offensive rebounds (5).
“I liked his energy,” Fernandez mentioned of Claxton. “He was vocal, he was engaged the whole game, and that’s the Nic Claxton I want. And if he continues to do that like he’s been doing, he’s going to help us win. The good thing is: He has high standards for himself, and I love it.”
Cities led the Knicks with 25 factors, 16 rebounds and 6 assists, but it surely wasn’t a memorable evening for Bridges, who scored simply 10 factors on 3-for-12 taking pictures.
The Knicks, who improved to 29-16, have now gained consecutive video games for the primary time since rattling off 9 straight from Dec. 15 – Jan. 1. They’re 3-0 towards Brooklyn this season. The Nets, now losers of 4 straight, fell to 14-30.
Brooklyn is now 2.5 video games out of second within the lottery standings after Tuesday’s loss.
The Nets and Knicks will meet for the ultimate time this season on April 13 at Barclays Middle. Will probably be the season finale for each groups.
Brooklyn will return to motion on Wednesday towards the Phoenix Suns at residence. The Knicks could have three days off earlier than internet hosting the Sacramento Kings at Madison Sq. Backyard on Saturday.
Initially Printed: January 21, 2025 at 10:22 PM EST
