How it Happened
A close contest with the crosstown rivals opened up with a 9-0 New York run to start the second half, and the home team never looked back. Jerian Grant (14 points, 4 assists) started his first NBA game in place of injured Jose Calderon (quad), joining four other Knicks in double-figure scoring en route to a comfortable 105-91 victory.
The Knicks shot 12 for 18 from downtown from the second quarter on, blitzing their cross-town rivals to even the season series at two games apiece. Derrick Williams (16 points, 4-for-4 from 3) and Langston Galloway (18 points, 4-for-6 3P) led the long-range barrage.
Knick of the Night
Galloway earns the honor for his all-around effort; the second-year guard responded to extended minutes by shooting 7 for 11 from the floor, with seven assists and six rebounds. He also added a buzzer-beater to end the first half and a hustle play diving into the first row of seats in an attempt to save a ball.
News and Notes
Carmelo Anthony led a few Knicks veterans to offer some of their minutes in the interest of developing their younger teammates, and the youngsters took advantage of the opportunity tonight: Grant recovered from an errant first shot attempt to knock down two of four 3s and create offense with his burst off the dribble; Cleanthony Early returned from Westchester to score seven points, with six rebounds and three assists; and Kevin Seraphin added 12 points and seven boards...Anthony played 25 minutes and scored 13 points.
Numbers Game
Entering tonight, the all-time Knicks-Nets series was tied 91-91 in the regular season and 5-5 in the playoffs. With the win, the Knicks jump ahead until next season...
Next Up
After a day off, the Knicks will face Indiana on Sunday night at MSG.