New York Knicks Takeaways From Loss vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Matchup Of the Game Recap

In our pregame keys to the game, we highlighted the small forward matchup between Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant. Unfortunately, we did not get to see the matchup as Anthony was sidelined with knee soreness. We saw plenty of Durant though, as the Knicks just had no one to really slow him down.

Lance Thomas did his best, as well as Derrick Williams and Arron Afflalo, but Durant’s size and skill combination is rare and there is no way to truly slow him down. Tonight his skill set was on full display, as Durant got whatever he wanted when he wanted. He finished the game 12-of-26 overall, going 4-of-7 from deep and 16-of-18 from the foul line for a season-high 44 points.

He also chipped in on the demolition on the boards, as Durant double-doubled with 14 rebounds to go along with his 44 points. He also added five assists and one steal for a strong overall game on both ends of the court.

Combined that with what Russell Westbrook did and it was just too much for the Knicks to overcome. Westbrook added 30 of his own on 13-of-24 from the field, adding 10 assists, eight rebounds and three steals.

Next: Bench Steps Up