As the team continued to cope with injury problems, New York came into battle with only nine active players. The game’s first quarter featured lots of intense action. Former UConn player Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins combined for 13 of the first 15 King points. Cousins, who had missed the previous game due to an illness, came out having his way inside the paint, as he had reached 15 points by the 5:06 minute mark of the first quarter. By the end of it, Gay also reached 15 points. Darren Collison was displaying his playmaking skills, as he had eight early assists. Carmelo Anthony had 10 points to go along with four dishes to counter the Kings good start. Going into the second quarter, the Kings were up, 38-27.
Throughout the second period of the game, Sacramento continued to hold onto its lead. New York didn’t fall too far behind, but the Kings' hot shooting was a major reason they were still on top. At the half, the Knicks allowed the opposing team to shoot a massive 65 percent from the field. Cousins, Gay, and Collison were all in double digit scoring. Anthony was the only player in double figures for his team after two periods.
New York continued be within reach in the third quarter but failed to take the lead. Their lack of defense continued to hurt them and entering the fourth quarter, they were down by nine points. To start the last frame of the game, Anthony sat out the first few minutes. It was not until 4:13 left in regulation when the Knicks began to get some key stops. Several back-to-back blocks allowed them to cut the deficit to three points. Their desire to take this road win continued to build up for them, as some more good defense was displayed, which then lead to Tim Hardaway Jr. tying up the game with 20 seconds left in regulation. Sacramento then had possession and a chance to win the game, but solid defense by Anthony on Gay forced overtime.
With 2:55 left in overtime, Shane Larkin was able to achieve his fifth steal of the night and convert it into a made layup. That was also a season high for him in that category. The Kings responded well and closed out the game by taking a seven-point lead with 39 seconds left in the extra frame.
As the game progressed, Anthony’s teammates contributed more on the offensive end of the floor. Their offense would not be the problem tonight, as they concluded the game shooting 50 percent from the field. What really damaged them this game was the fact they couldn’t be consistent enough defensively.
Anthony achieved a double-double with 36 points and 11 rebounds. He was also four assists shy of a triple-double. Hardaway Jr. scored 19 points on 50 percent shooting. A big night for several King players, as two of them were able to notch a double-double of their own. Cousins was the game’s highest scorer with 39 points to go along with 11 boards. Collison had 27 points with 10 assists. Gay finished the game with 29 points and two blocks.
The next game for the Knicks will be against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 28th. The Kings next opponent will be the Brooklyn Nets on December 29th.