Here are some notes for those fans watching the Brooklyn Nets (24-16) take on the New York Knicks (25-13) in NBA action at Madison Square Garden.
If the Nets win it would even the season series with the Knicks at two games apiece and snap a two-game losing streak to New York since winning the inaugural game of the ‘Battle of the Borough’ 96-89 in November of 2012. It would also move P.J. Carlesimo to 11-2 as Interim Head Coach, which is the second best start for a coach in franchise history.
The most recent starting line-up of Williams, Johnson-Wallace-Evans-Lopez is now 7-1 on the season, which is the best record for any Brooklyn five this season. Brooklyn’s defense continues to be the key to success, as in their last victory against the Hawks the guys locked down Atlanta less than 90 points.
Brooklyn now has a 13-1 record when they hold opponents under 90 points, while also holding their 25th opponent of the season under the century mark. Leading the way offensively was Deron Williams, who had 24 points and seven assist, while continuing his consecutive made free throw streak to a 10th game and 47 makes overall
Reggie Evans’ 20 rebound performance was the second of the season, as the forward continues to rank first in the NBA in rebounds per 48 minutes (19.6, 1.7 more than second place). Only four players in NBA history have averaged at least 24% TRB% and over 15 minutes per game.
As for the Knicks they look to continue their successful play on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, as New York holds an 18-8 overall record and an 18-7 mark at Madison Square Garden.
This will be the final meeting between Brooklyn and New York, and forward Carmelo Anthony looks to retain his crown as the ‘King of New York’ in this finale. Anthony helped to pace the Knicks in their three battles against Brooklyn averaging 37.0 points and 7.0 boards.
Knicks Milestone Watch:
Jason Kidd looks to obtain a milestone against his former team; the guard is 16 assists shy of 12,000 for his career. He sits second all-time in career regular season assists in the history of the NBA.