Brooklyn Nets lose third straight in battle of New York vs Knicks
By Omri Benami
The Brooklyn Nets were outplayed for three quarters today by the Knicks, en route to a 119-104 loss. The Nets struggled to get anything going to the basket against New York’s pesky perimeter defense. Brooklyn has lost all three games they’ve played against the Knicks this season.
The first half dictated how this game was going to go for the Nets, as they shot under 32 percent from the field while the Knicks were at 49 percent. Brooklyn hit just three-of-13 from long range, and were out assisted 14-6.
The Knicks perimeter defense was great in the first half. They made the Nets settle for tough long two pointers, and seemed to always meet their man on ball screens. New York had a 10 point lead at the break.
The third quarter slowed things down considerably, since both teams were in foul trouble early on. 36 free throws were shot between the Nets and Knicks in the frame. Technical fouls were called on both teams as well. Brooklyn was able to cut the lead to just two on a DeMarre Carroll buzzer beater.
The Knicks completely ran away with the game in the fourth quarter, however. It looked like the long third took all the energy the Nets had. The team looked disinterested, as their opponent outscored them by 13.
Kristaps Porzingis led the way for New York, scoring 26 points and adding nine rebounds. Michael Beasley had a double double with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while rookie Frank Ntilikina had 10 points and 10 assists.
The Nets got good games from Carroll and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, although the latter was frustrated having to deal with Porzingis down low. Caris LeVert had a solid showing on paper with 20 points and seven rebounds, but was only eight-of 20-from the field.
Spencer Dinwiddie and Allen Crabbe, who’s consistency issues we documented earlier, really struggled. The two guards combined to go three-for-21 from the floor.
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The Nets as a team shot under 37 percent on the game, while the Knicks were over 51 percent. Brooklyn’s bench, which has been strong all season, was outscored 70-47.
The Knicks are clearly a bad match up for the Nets, despite the fact that they struggle against many teams. This was only the fifth win for New York on the road this season. Two of those have come at the Barclays Center.
Brooklyn got some news today that D’Angelo Russell was “full on” in practice, and will return soon. His return looks to be much needed, as the team continues to search for a winning recipe.
It doesn’t get any easier for the Nets, as they host San Antonio on Wednesday before the Miami Heat come to town on Friday.