Defense an Afterthought, Warriors Crush Knicks 144-127

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap

Golden State Warriors swingman Stephen Jackson

If one thing can be learned when the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors, you can rest assured that both teams will more often than not provide offense aplenty. Tuesday’s game between these two teams would be no different as the game would have – assuming you followed the ABA – the makings of a score-a-thon. Both teams shot extremely well (New York shot 54.4% while Golden State shot 55.3%) yet Golden State had a bit more gas in their tank as they handily defeated New York 144-127 at Oracle Arena.

Both teams had their track shoes basketball shoes on in the first half as Golden State outscored New York 41-29 in the first quarter while the Knicks outscored the Warriors 36-24 in the second quarter – with both teams going to their respective locker rooms tied at 65-all. Golden State would slowly pull away in the fourth quarter as they went on a 20-10 run in the first 6 minutes of the period.

Golden State had eight – yes, 8!! – players in double-digits, led by Stephen Jackson with 35 points (including 4 three-pointers), 6 rebounds, 10 assists and 2 steals while Kelenna Azubuike added 22 (including 3 from beyond the arc) with 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocked shots; Jamal Crawford pitched in 21 (including 3 treys) with 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals while Monta Ellis scored 17 with 2 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal. Corey Maggette chipped in 16 with 2 rebounds and 2 steals.

New York was led by Nate Robinson from off the bench with 30 points (including 3 treys), 6 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal while David Lee added 27 with 11 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal; former Warrior Al Harrington chipped in 24 (including 4 behind the arc) with 9 rebounds and 2 assists. Golden State (18-35) plays again on Thursday when they host Portland while New York (21-30) travels south to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers on Wednesday.

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