Warriors Obliterate Knicks 92-63

Mar 11, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after scoring a basket against the New York Knicks during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

It was just one of those games tonight, where the Warriors were locked in and focused on getting the win. The fact of the matter is that the Warriors had David Lee and Andrew Bogut in the lineup, as opposed to not having both of them like the game up in New York. This game got a little out of hand, for the Knicks at least, but the Warriors were able to anger them into a miserable shooting night, scoring just 63 points. The Knicks shot 27.4% from the field: this is the worst in the NBA so far. How’s that defense now?

In the first quarter of this game, the Warriors started off cold offensively, but were able to score thanks to free throws. Their defense was hot, and they stayed with the Knicks all quarter long. In the first 12 minutes, the only Warrior starters that had it going were Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, who combined for 19 out of the Warriors’ first 24 points. It also helped that Carmelo Anthony, thanks to Klay Thompson, opened 1/6. The Warriors took a 26-23 lead at the end of the 1st.

The second quarter was where things got out of hand for the Knicks. Both offense was cold to start the quarter, but about three minute in, the Warriors broke their slump and scored buckets after buckets. The Warriors were out-rebounding and out-shooting the Knicks. They suddenly found themselves opening a double digit lead, which carried into the half at 50-35. Jr Smith and Carmelo Anthony combined for just 14 at the half.

In the third quarter, the Knicks opened very physical, but didn’t get any calls from the referees, who were actually officiating fairly. Soon, the Warriors extended their lead to 20, and almost to 30. From that point on, they continued to play well, while the Knicks continued to brick shots. The three point line which had hurt the Warriors so much in the previous games was a non-factor for the Knicks, as they shot 5/27, a miserable 18.5%. The Knicks frustration was summed up when Jr Smith was ejected for a hard foul on Harrison Barnes, throwing him to the ground. Stay tuned for a suspension.

The fourth quarter, despite the excellent play of Chris Copeland, was the same, and the Warriors crushed the Knicks even more. It was no doubt a thrilling, confidence-inspiring victory, and the Warriors should be turning their season around.

Nightly Notables:

• Klay Thompson: 23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block
• David Lee: 21 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists
• Stephen Curry: 26 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
• Carmelo Anthony: 14 points, 10 rebounds