NEW YORK — Trendon Watford was cleared to play earlier than the Brooklyn Nets’ rematch in opposition to the Knicks on Sunday at Madison Sq. Backyard, however Brooklyn was nonetheless and not using a wholesome heart and Karl-Anthony Cities was again on the courtroom for New York after having missed Friday’s match. inter-district conflict resulting from knee damage.
Cities, 6-11, dominated the undersized Nets as anticipated, ending with 26 factors and 6 assists within the Knicks’ 114-104 victory. Brooklyn fell to 5-9 on the season after dropping at The Backyard for the second time in three days.
The Nets performed an in depth sport within the first half, though Cam Thomas calmed down significantly after his 43-point efficiency in Friday’s 124-122 loss. The Knicks doubled him early and infrequently, forcing others to step up their offense, specifically Cam Johnson and Jalen Wilson.
Wilson scored 13 factors on 4-of-4 taking pictures off the bench within the second quarter to assist Brooklyn preserve tempo with the Knicks whereas Thomas and others have been successfully neutralized. He returns to the locker room with solely three factors behind. After making a go-ahead 3-pointer late within the fourth quarter Friday, Jalen Brunson was held to 3 factors on 0-of-5 taking pictures within the first half.
The Nets shot 45.5% on two-point makes an attempt within the first half and the Knicks shot 65.2%. Brooklyn shot 44.4% from deep within the first half (8 of 18), which helped preserve the sport shut. This discovered nice offense because the Knicks confirmed two Thomas defenders, which created open alternatives for others across the perimeter.
Cities dropped 14 factors within the third quarter whereas the Knicks shot 52.2 p.c from the sector and compelled six Nets turnovers, leading to 9 factors. They outscored Brooklyn 35-24 within the interval and entered the ultimate quarter main 95-81, their largest benefit of the night time.
The Nets scored 40 factors within the fourth quarter on Friday, however there was no such rally for Jordi Fernandez’s staff on Sunday. Brooklyn was held to only 33.3% taking pictures within the last body and went 5 of 13 from deep.
Johnson completed with a team-high 22 factors for the Nets within the loss. Thomas was held to 16 factors on 4-of-11 taking pictures and Wilson completed with 15 factors coming off the bench. Brooklyn was outscored 50-24 within the paint.
Watford, of their season debut, had 4 factors, three rebounds and three assists in 14 minutes.
The Nets will return to motion on Tuesday in opposition to the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Middle.
____
