It had the atmosphere of the NBA Finals as the Knicks went toe-to-toe with arguably the Western Conference's best team in the Oklahoma City Thunder, and, as a result, New York put forth one of their best performances of the season -- a total team effort that saw the Knicks rebound extremly well and make one big time shot after another en route to their 12th straight game.
There were many chances for the Knicks to fold and play like the same ole Knicks on a huge stage against a top opponent, but they never wavered, never let the packed house in Oklahoma City get to them, and never allowed OKC's fastbreak offense and size intimidate them.No, not these Knicks.
These Knicks have completely transformed themselves into a serious postseason contender the past 12 games, and definitely looked the part, responding to adversity when they needed to the most.
In the first half, the Knicks relied heavily on their prowess behind the arch, hitting 11-of-18 three-point shots as the Knicks erased a 31-30 deficit in the second quarter, with the bench playing a large roll in the effort. Chris Copeland hit two long distance three's in the quarter, while Steve Novak and Jason Kidd each added three's of their own, as the Knicks built up a stunning 58-49 lead on the Thunder.
In the third quarter, the Knicks found themselves in a battle to hold onto the lead, as the combination of Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and the OKC bench began to make their presence felt as the Thunder closed the gap.
With New York up by four a humongous three-pointer by Thabo Sefolosha brought the Thunder back to within one, 75-74. One could easily imagine the Knicks falling apart after this play, but they didn't J.R. Smith connected on a pair of free throws, before Raymond Felton hit a layup to keep the Knicks afloat 79-76.
Still, OKC wouldn't go away. Kendrick Perkins hit consecutive jumpers to cut the Knicks lead to one, and Westbrook drilled a 24-foot three-pointer to keep OKC near at 84-83.
Yet, the Knicks would not flinch. After Smith missed a three pointer, Jason Kidd stepped in and made a huge rebound, kicking the ball back out to Carmelo Anthony at the top of the arch so he could drop the three-pointer, giving New York a 87-83 lead.
Even with the Knicks best efforts to stay in front against the fast charging Thunder, it was not enough; Oklahoma's momentum became too much to handle as the forth quarter started. Kevin Martin's three pointer to cut the Knicks lead to 100-97 gave OKC an extra added boost as OKC kicked off the quarter with an 8-4 run giving them a slim one-point lead over the Knicks, 105-104.
Jason Kidd would soon answer the bell. After a couple of Knicks misses, the Kidd got the ball wide open in the left corner, and nailed his fourth three of the day to give the Knicks the lead back at 107-105. It is fair to say that the Kidd three gave the Knicks renewed life, as they finally pulled away from OKC in the wanning minutes.
Tyson Chandler's layup and Anothy's jump shot gave New York a 114-111 lead with three minutes to play. J.R. Smith finished strong, hitting two big time shots; one a 23-foot jumper to give the Knicks a 117-113 lead, and a 28-foot three ball to give the Knicks a runaway seven-point advantage, 120-113.
The Knicks had six players in double figures on the afternoon. Anthony led the way with 36, Smith had 22. Jason Kidd contributed 14 points, and Chris Copeland added 13 off the bench. Tyson Chandler finished with 15, and Raymond Felton had 16 on the day.
With the win the Knicks capture their 50th win of the season, the first time New York earned 50 wins in a season since the 1999-2000 season. The Knicks magic number to clinch the Atlantic Division is down to one.
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