The Golden State Warriors landed a big win on Tuesday night, catching fire late to beat the New York Knicks 114-102. Even with Karl-Anthony Towns sidelined for the Knicks, it was an impressive victory that gave the Dubs a road back-to-back sweep, and put Saturday’s disappointing loss firmly in the rearview mirror.
It took a while for the Warriors to find their rhythm. Steph Curry was active, despite being questionable after hurting his ankle, but didn’t look fully comfortable in the early going. Golden State’s defense was active early though, causing disruptions and turnovers that kept the Knicks from piling in the points, despite their hot shooting. Neither team could gain an edge in the first quarter, with the Knicks clinging to a 26-25 lead after 12 minutes.
And then New York began to find their rhythm. The Warriors couldn’t buy a bucket to start the second quarter, and the Knicks rattled off an early 8-0 run, prompting a Steve Kerr timeout. The Warriors recovered from that burst, but the damage was done. The game slowed to a grind for both teams, with New York hanging onto the lead. Late in the half they pushed the lead to double-digits, and it was a 55-47 deficit for the Dubs at half time.
But they emerged from the locker rooms a different team. The Warriors were dramatically more energetic in the third quarter, and were taking every opportunity to get out in transition. They were out-working, out-hustling, and out-executing the Knicks, and they slowly chipped away at the lead. With 7:30 remaining in the frame, Curry drained a three to give the Warriors the lead, and the momentum had officially shifted fully.
New York wasn’t going anywhere though, and the teams went back-and-forth in a tense end to the quarter. The Knicks re-took the lead, but Buddy Hield drained a three right before the buzzer, giving Golden State an 82-81 lead going into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter felt like playoff basketball. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was intense and exciting, and it felt like the stakes were high. And more importantly, the Warriors were up to the task. Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III put on a defensive clinic. Gui Santos, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Kevon Looney made hustle plays left and right. Hield drained big shots. And Curry put on an absolute show.
Slowly the close game became less and less close, with the Warriors defense locking down and leading to an 11-0 run that turned into into a 12-point Golden State lead with a few minutes remaining. With Curry breaking out all his video game moves, the Warriors cruised to the final buzzer, and a mightily impressive 114-102 win.
Curry led the way with 28 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists, while Butler (19), Podziemski (19), and Hield (15) also were in double figures. Green narrowly missed a triple-double, with eight points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.
The Dubs now get a much-needed day off to enjoy New York, before facing the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. PT.
