Game Preview: Knicks vs Nets, November 17, 2024

On Friday night, the New York Knicks (6-6) earned a dramatic 124-122 victory over Brooklyn Nets (5-8), barely survived a 21-point second-half collapse. The climax of the game came when Jalen Brunson hit a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, marking his second clutch attempt in as many games after Wednesday’s 124-123 loss to the Chicago Bulls. If today’s rematch comes down to another last-second shot, Jim Dolan should give fans coupons for NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital’s cardiac unit.

Brooklyn’s standout performer was Cam Thomas, who lit up the scoreboard with 47 points. The Nets dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Knicks 40-24, as Thomas poured in 12 points and Cam Johnson, previously asleep, woke up and added 10. Despite the Nets’ strong finish, they couldn’t overcome Brunson’s late-game magic. Brunson finished with 37 points and scored 16 in the fourth quarter alone to keep the Knicks in the game.

Defensively, neither team put on a clinic. Missing their starting center Nic Claxton, the Nets suffered a 45-37 setback, and of all players, only Knicks rookie Pacome Dadiet managed a defensive rating below 120. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau will look for more defensive tenacity, when these teams fight again. .

New York will likely be even more shorthanded than usual, with Miles McBride and Karl-Anthony Towns both nursing knee injuries today. Without KAT on Friday, the team stepped up and four starters finished with double-digit points. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges contributed 25 and 22 points, respectively, with Anunoby on pace for 30 before fouling out with four minutes left in the game. To beat the spunky Brooklynites a second time, New York’s elite will have to deliver more of the same.

The Knicks’ bench provided valuable support, with Cameron Payne, Dadiet and rookie Ariel Hukporti combining for 22 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks and two steals. Hukporti’s energy and blocking ability were particularly impressive; he recorded four hits (the team is averaging three per game). Thibs relied on Hukporti down the stretch, playing him for the entire fourth quarter and 30 minutes overall, while Jericho Sims logged just 18 minutes. If KAT sits again, at least we’ll be treated to more of that Incredible Huk enthusiasm. And hey, Thibs – when he’s healthy again, why not try a little more KAT/HUK combo? Wouldn’t that let the sharp-shooting Towns roam off the rim without sacrificing rebounds?

Damage report:

For the Nets: Bojan Bogdanovic, Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe are all out. Trendon Watford is day-to-day with a hamstring problem.

For the Knicks: Miles McBride (knee) and Karl-Anthony Towns (also knee) are listed as questionable for the game.

Forecast

ESPN.com favors the Knicks 66% in Sunday’s rematch. This will be New York’s third of a four-game homestand, and it sure would be nice to get on the positive side of .500. Containing Cam Thomas will always be an issue, but the rest of the team are mostly easy pickings. Today, New York will take an easier path to victory, build an early lead and withstand a fourth-quarter slump. ‘Bockers with +8.

Game details

Date: Sunday 17 November 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York City
TV: MSG Network, YES Network
Follow: @ptknicksblog