The New York Knicks host the Brooklyn Nets in the crosstown rivals first matchup of the season; check out our keys to the game
Apr 1, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Lou Amundson (21) drives against Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Nets defeated the Knicks 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Knicks were able to get back into the win column and snap their four-game losing streak against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. Now, they will look to make it a two-game winning streak and get back to the .500 mark against their in-state rivals, the Brooklyn Nets.
This will be the first time that the Knicks and Nets renew their ‘rivalry’ this season. This is mostly a rivalry between fans, as the one on the court is essentially fabricated and media driven. Outside of the first season in Brooklyn, the Nets and Knicks have not both been competitive in the standings. That was the season the Knicks won the division and lost in the second round to the Indiana Pacers, while the Nets have made the playoffs every season but bowed out early.
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It is unlikely that the rivalry will really get going at all this season either. The Knicks are starting to get recognized around the league with some young talent and an up-and-coming roster that is coming together. The Nets, meanwhile, are in one of the worst positions in the NBA in terms of long term outlook from a salary cap or roster assets point of view.
One thing for sure is Friday night will be electric in Madison Square Garden. The teams may not be at the levels they thought they would be when this matchup began in the 2012-13 season, but it means something to the fans and players. Kristaps Porzingis said, “I know our fans are better than Brooklyn’s fans,” after practice on Thursday. He also added when he sees someone in a Nets hat, he jokes around with them and asks, “What is that? You need a Knicks hat.”
Jarrett Jack added some fuel to the fire when he said that defeating the Knicks would be extra nice so that he can quiet their fans, saying, “I was doing some Christmas shopping yesterday, and the guy that was helping me was like ‘Thanks for your business, but tomorrow you know it’s on.’ I’m like, ‘Give me my (darn) receipt so I can get the (heck) out of here. I’m trying to get this (stuff) gift-wrapped. I don’t have time for this.’”
Well it sounds at least one Net will be getting up for this one, and there are a couple of others that probably will as well given their past relationships with the team. That will be just one of the keys to the game on Friday night when the Knicks and Nets tip off for the first of four meetings this season.
Continue through the slideshow to see the rest of the keys to the game for the Knicks when they host the Nets tonight at MSG.
Next: Matchup Of The Game