Tennie Sumague
EBC New York Bureau
NEW YORK (Eagle News) – The New York Knicks offense flowed in the first half as the team was in sync with the mighty Golden State Warriors at halftime as Lance Thomas’ buzzer-beater three gave the Knicks a one-point lead.
Then it was “Curry” time and the rest of the game was history in favor of the defending NBA champions.
The Warriors 16-2 run overwhelmed the deflated and youthful Knicks, capping a 39-point third quarter to carry the team to a 125-111 win at Madison Square Garden Monday night.
It was the Warriors fifth-straight win at MSG and have beaten the Knicks for the eighth-straight time.
Led by Stephen Curry’s 14 third-quarter points, the Warriors orchestrated beautiful ball movement and shotmaking from all facets of the court. But it was the team’s intense defense led by Draymond Green that tightened the Knicks’ offense as they were held to 29.2% shooting in the quarter.
“Our third quarters have been great all year,” said Head Coach Steve Kerr. “Obviously we have a lot of talent. We have four All-Stars out there. It is not like we are making big adjustments [and] doing anything different. We had a good focus and effort and we wear teams down a bit.”
Klay Thompson led the way with 26 points for the Warriors on 9-for-13 shooting, including 4-of-6 from behind the arc. Kevin Durant added 22 points and Curry finished with 21 points as both players sat out the fourth quarter.
“We stick to our program,” said Curry on the third quarter. “When we are locked in and taking care of the ball, playing solid defense, that [third quarter] is what happens. We come out of the halftime with some juice and energy, It’s winning time [and] hopefully it continues.”
It was a one-sided game after halftime on a night where a handful of children and adults came, sported their Curry and Durant jerseys and showed their appreciation to the league’s most beloved team. The sold-out crowd rarely jeered when the starting lineup hit the floor.
“The energy at the Garden is amazing, it’s the Mecca of basketball,” said Durant. “When you grew up in the streets playing streetball, you know what the city is all about. It’s pure basketball fans here [behind] Broadway, the lights, Times Square. That excitement that you get at the Garden is second to none.”
