Brooklyn, NY (Sports Network) - The first round of the battle of New York
turned out to be well worth the wait for the new kids on the block.
Behind double-doubles from Brook Lopez and Deron Williams, the Brooklyn Nets
handed the New York Knicks a 96-89 overtime loss at an energized Barclays
Center to take the inaugural matchup between the city rivals since the Nets
crossed the Hudson River into their new home.
The highly anticipated matchup was delayed more than three weeks by Hurricane
Sandy, and the final outcome would be as well after the Knicks rallied back
from a five-point deficit late in regulation. However, Brooklyn put forth a
pivotal 7-0 run during overtime to gain early bragging rights as well as
record its third consecutive victory.
Lopez finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Williams racked up 16
points and 14 assists to help the Nets move to 7-1 at the first-year Barclays
Center.
The Knicks suffered their third defeat in four games despite 35 points and 13
rebounds from Brooklyn-born Carmelo Anthony and a career-high 28 points along
with 10 boards out of Tyson Chandler.
New York was ultimately done in by poor shooting down the stretch, however,
making good on just 8-of-31 (25.8 percent) of its field goal attempts during
the fourth quarter and overtime.
GAME NOTES:
The Sports Network