NEW YORK — Another game against the Nets, another collapse from the Knicks at MSG.
After leading by as many as 21 in the second half, the Knicks’ offense completely deteriorated down the stretch and the Nets maintained control of their play-in destiny with a 110-98 victory Wednesday night.
The Nets (42-38) remained eighth in the East and will finish seventh by winning their season’s final two games, including Friday against the Cavaliers.
The Knicks (35-45) were playing for pride and they dropped it in the fourth quarter. The collapse arrived just a few weeks after they blew a 28-point lead to the Nets at MSG. Tom Thibodeau’s squad managed just two points in the final five minutes Wednesday, with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving flexing their starpower.
It was the duo’s first game as teammates at MSG, and they combined for 56 points — with Durant dropping 32 of them.
Durant torched RJ Barrett, who struggled to get around screens and contest the 7-footer’s shots.
The Knicks struggled on the other end while missing 20 of his 27 shots, including 2-of-11 from deep and just 7-for-12 from the foul line.
Rookie Chris Jericho was thrust into the Bockers’ starting lineup after Mitchell Robinson was scratched late because of a non-COVID illness. Jericho impressed, recording the first double-double of his career with 13 rebounds. But he was gassed by the fourth quarter.
The Knicks were also missing Julius Randle (out for rest of season with a sore quad), who watched from the bench in street clothes. A day prior following practice, the Knicks expressed the desire to exact revenge after six straight defeats to their crosstown rival.
It started well with the Knicks holding a 17-point lead at the break. The advantage hit 21 in the third quarter, but the momentum shifted soon thereafter.
Within two minutes of the fourth quarter, the Nets had already taken the lead. The Knicks’ offense went in the tank, and the Nets left with their seventh straight victory over the rival.
