Game Info:
New York Knicks (6-6) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (7-5)
Chesapeake Energy Arena (8:00 pm ET)
TV: MSG Radio: ESPN NY 98.7
Knicks Report:
The Knicks hit the road for their second-longest road trip of the season (four games), beginning tonight in Oklahoma City. They'll look to build on two straight home wins, including Tuesday's Garden coming-out party for Kristaps Porzingis, who became the youngest player in Knicks history to record 25+ points and 10+ rebounds in a game, finishing with 29 and 11 against Charlotte.
Derek Fisher's club has been competitive in each game this season, and the last two victories validate the defense-first mentality that his coaching staff has been preaching since training camp. Now comes an opportunity to see how his team responds to adversity against tough opponents on the road.
After 12 games, New York ranks 12th in offensive efficiency and 15th on D -- a balanced formula that seems sustainable going forward.
News and Notes:
- Fisher and Lance Thomas are among the many Knicks with connections to the Thunder organization, adding some familiarity to tonight's showdown against one of the Western Conference's leading contenders.
- OKC has battled through injuries in each season since its Finals run in 2011-12, and this year is no different; Kevin Durant has missed the last four games with a hamstring. Said Fisher: "I don't think he's going to play, but they still have a really talented team."
- With Durant out, Assistant Coach Rasheed Hazzard says "Russell Westbrook is always the head of the snake, but now he's even more the focal point." The explosive guard is shooting a career-high 46.8 percent from the field this year and is averaging 32.8 points, 9.5 assists and 8.5 rebounds since Durant went down.
- Porzingis stole the show on Tuesday, but Carmelo Anthony shined in his role as facilitator in an all-around effort. Anthony finished with 18 points, 11 boards and 5 assists against Charlotte, and is averaging a career-best 3.8 assists per game so far.
- The Knicks feel confident in their ability to match up with the Thunder because of their size; OKC features a big man rotation that includes Serge Ibaka, Stephen Adams and Enes Kanter, but New York can counter with Robin Lopez, Porzingis in the starting lineup and Kevin Seraphin and Kyle O'Quinn off the bench.