Therefore, the Brooklyn Nets are very talented. Except for injuries, they are probably the favorites to win this summer. The Knicks are not that talented, which sucks. But the combative Thibodeaus do not usually fall without a fight. They made Nets sweat, but unfortunately they just didn’t have enough to beat Brooklyn and the referees.
The first half was a little strange. The Knicks played against Brooklyn in the first quarter thanks to Reggie Bullock’s hot kick.
The game collapsed for them over a four-minute stretch at the start of the second half, when the bench came in and absolutely fell onto the gray floor of Brooklyn. Obi Toppin, who may be playing out of rotation, had an impressive -12 in just 3:43.
Still, the Knicks were technically in the game, losing 12 at halftime. They reduced Brooklyn’s lead to seven at the start of the fourth period, thanks to the work of a ridiculously overworked Julius Randle. The Nets continued to push their lead to double digits, but these Knicks are a stubborn group. They reduced Brooklyn’s lead to four, with just under four minutes to go, and we dare to hope. Alec Burks, Frank Ntilikina failed to hit the big three when it mattered, however, and Nets’ patented attack at the end of the game of “falling and the referees will make a foul every time” saved them.
New York continued to make the Nets sweat in the final seconds, reaching three, but a crucial high ball was considered a foul.
Cue Tom Thibodeau: coaching challenge guru. The decision was overturned and New York had the ball 5 seconds from the end. Julius Randle had the ball, and Kyrie Irving swerved up the path, and the referees found themselves with one more chance to screw the Knicks, as they called a turnover. Randle was not happy.
Tons going on at the end of this. Matt Miranda will do the recap. Good night to everyone except Scott Foster.