Knicks vs. Warriors Preview: How, Who to Watch as Surging Meets Shorthanded
There's probably never a good time to run into Stephen Curry's Golden State Warriors but the New York Knicks' interconference schedule has done them no favors.
As the Knicks try to continue inching their back to full strength, they'll face the surging Warriors on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. The championship mainstays from Golden State had meandered through the early stages of the season but have since found a groove to the tune of wins in 11 of their past 14, establishing a four-game lead between themselves and 11th-place Utah.
The Warriors come to town for their annual visit as the shorthanded Knicks continue to sputter, having dropped seven of 10 after Tuesday's 115-92 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Of course, it's hard to fully buy into the idea of the Knicks' complete downfall in the face of numerous injuries.
Tuesday's loss was played with only seven dressed Knicks as Jalen Brunson and Isaiah Hartenstein joined the list headlined by the indefinite departures of OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson. Hartenstein is expected to return for the Warriors' visit while Brunson is officially listed as questionable.
This will be the first of two meetings between the Knicks and Warriors to close out the year, as a rematch is scheduled for March 18 at Chase Center. The two teams split last year's couple for the third consecutive season as each side successfully defended its home floor. New York's victory was a 132-94 shellacking at MSG headlined by 21 points from Brunson and double-doubles for Randle and Robinson.
What: Golden State Warriors (30-27) @ New York Knicks (35-24)
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
When/Watch: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Who's Favored: GSW -3.5
Keep An Eye On: Miles McBride
Perimeter defense is especially important against the Warriors and McBride has developed a reputation as a strong defender, recently lauded for doing strong work on Tyrese Maxey when the Knicks ventured to Philadelphia after the All-Star break. Having a diamond in the rough like the second-round pick has been particularly key as the Knicks continue to work through injuries and he's proving that he has lasting staying power in the NBA. The extended opportunities have also given McBride a shot to hone his offensive game, as he's averaging 9.8 points in the ending month of February.
Brad Penner, USA TODAY SPORTS
Warrior to Watch: Klay Thompson
Has Thompson found a career extension by coming off the bench? Time will tell, but there's no denying that the 34-year-old has found a bit of a second wind in relief. Over the past five games as a sixth man, Thompson is averaging just under 20 points a game and has rediscovered his famed three-point touch at just under 45 percent, a number that dipped below while he was stationed in the starting five. If Golden State has gotten to a point where they're dangerous enough to have a shooter like Thompson come off the bench, this championship run could be particularly dangerous, even if they have to endure the Western Play-In.
They Said It
"I only spent a year out there, but it was a really, really good year for me on and off the court. Those guys embraced me. The staff embraced me, (head coach) Steve (Kerr), everybody over there. So I still hear from them. I still check in with them. So one, I’m looking forward to competing against them, but also I’m just looking forward to them getting into town and seeing them and everything.”-Donte DiVincenzo on facing his team from last season (h/t Peter Botte, New York Post)
Prediction
It feels like a long, long time ago, but the Warriors were once in the Knicks' shoes: looking for a way to win en route to building something special. Right now the Knicks are still in that bittersweet phase, especially with injuries decimating their ranks. The experienced Warriors have their path forward and are rediscovering their groove. That only spells trouble for a New York group trapped in a relatively inescapable freefall.
