New York Knicks beat the Golden State Warriors 110-107: Just enough effort to survive

The New York Knicks staged their biggest comeback since April 2024, beating the Golden State Warriors 110-107. The Knicks almost blew a game against a severely depleted Warriors side, but they came through in the end.

New York seemed to underestimate the Warriors, who listed eight players, including Steph Curry and Draymond Green, on the injury report. The Knicks played sloppily at both ends of the floor, with Jalen Brunson carrying the offense while no one else could score. The Warriors’ lead ballooned to 21 points before the Knicks’ defense kicked into gear for a comeback.

The team turned it on after halftime, fighting all the way back to take a three-point lead into the fourth quarter. New York built on its lead with a boost from Jordan Clarkson, but Golden State made one last run to force a one-possession game in the waning moments of the action. But the Knicks held on and got the win.

As CP likes to say, “It wasn’t pretty, but it was gritty.” Let’s get into the performances that salvaged the victory for New York.

The Knicks scored 21 points in the first quarter of this game; Jalen Brunson was responsible for 13. Every time the Warriors threatened to run away with the game, or the Knicks’ offense slumped, the Captain stepped up to make a shot or draw a foul.

Brunson complemented his scoring with brilliant dimes, including a few no-look passes to cutting big men. He also defended well, picking pockets and staying in front of his assignments.

As both Mo Diawara and Landry Shamet come back to Earth, Jordan Clarkson’s impact becomes more important. Clarkson gave the bench a scoring pulse while the rest of the second unit struggled for most of the night.

You may note that JC didn’t grab any rebounds or pass for any assists. I’m here to tell you that doesn’t matter! New York needed every one of Clarkson’s six field goals to make up for everyone else’s struggles.

The offense kicked into gear as soon as Karl-Anthony Towns got aggressive. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen until the second half. But it was a great display of KAT’s importance to the team’s success.

When Towns attacked, the game was easier for everyone. His presence in the paint meant Golden State didn’t get second chances. I’m still impressed with Towns’ improvement in rotating to defend the rim, too.

A couple of games off helped rejuvenate Josh Hart’s game. He frequently flew in to steal rebounds and consistently made effective forays into the paint. My only complaint is that he looked hesitant to take jumpers, choosing to drive and kick every time until a jumper late in the action.

Hart didn’t defend as effectively as usual; Gui Santos cooked him on the block. But he played well overall.

Not that OG Anunoby was bad, but his impact wasn’t like usual. He didn’t attack the paint as often and felt less involved in chases for rebounds or loose balls. In spite of that, he scored 14 points in only six attempts.

But this felt like a game in which Anunoby could impose his will. Instead, he disappeared during offensive slumps and required others to create for him. He simply wasn’t himself here.

Remember when we were worried about Mikal Bridges’ jumper because he’d developed a bizarre hitch in his form? It’s beginning to feel like we’re back in that era, thanks to his inability to convert the most open of looks. There’s no hitch this time, but he can’t seem to get a consistent shot going.

I’ve mentioned in the past few recaps that New York needs a recharge. Now, they have a chance to get their legs back. This was the first of six straight games the Knicks will play in New York.

The team came out flat again and only seemed to put in the minimal effort necessary to win the game. But they also came back from a 21-point deficit, which is an impressive feat after returning from an extended road trip.

If the glass is half empty, the Knicks nearly blew a game against a team of reserves. If it’s half full, they survived an exhausting stretch of schedule and won the games they were supposed to. I’ve seen them play well enough to look at the glass as half full this time.

I’ll see you next time, Knicks’ fam!