ORACLE ARENA — It was exactly what the Warriors needed, a big win against a good team to halt a two-game losing streak.
Not only did the Dubs accomplish that mission, they did so emphatically.
Stephen Curry scored a game-high 26 points while former Knick David Lee added 21 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists as Golden State embarrassed the Knickerbockers 92-63.
Curry was hot from 3-point range, making six of his nine shots from downtown.
The win was the largest margin of victory this season for the Warriors and Curry was relieved the team was able to get that elusive win.
Warriors guard Stephen Curry
“It didn’t matter how…we just needed to win. You lose two in a row at home against teams we thought we matched up well against (Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks), didn’t get it done. This was an important game for us so glad that we got the win, especially the way it went the last time in New York.”
You’ll recall that Curry scored an NBA season high 54 points in Madison Square Garden on February 27, only to see the Warriors lost, 109-105.
Lee made his return after missing two games with a right knee contusion and he agreed that a win was just what the doctor ordered.
Warriors forward David Lee
“We just needed a win, period. And not because we’ve lost two in a row but just because at this point every game becomes really important. And this was a very important win for us and we’re going to move onto the next one on Wednesday and try to get that one as well.”
It was a season-low in points for New York, who shot an NBA-low 27 percent from the field. It also turned out to be the Warriors’ best defensive effort since 1953, when the franchise was in Philadelphia.
Carmelo Anthony made his return from a right knee injury that sidelined him for three games but his 14 points and 10 rebounds wasn’t good enough.
Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony
“It was one of those nights where we couldn’t make any shots. They scored 90 points. Anytime we score 60-something points we’re not going to beat anybody.”
It was a closely contested first quarter with Golden State leading 26-23.
After that, the Knicks couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn. New York went ice cold, shooting an incredibly poor 18 percent from the field.
Knicks coach Mike Woodson
“Our pace was just way out in left field so we’ve got to figure it out while we’re out on this (five game road) trip and keep our defense pretty solid. 92 points (allowed) is kind of nice to see. Defensively we weren’t too bad but we couldn’t add any offense and that’s sad.”
The Knicks never recovered as the Warriors built up a double digit lead they would not relinquish. Out-scoring the Knicks 24-12 in the second quarter, the W’s went on a 24-12 run in the third quarter for their biggest advantage of the night, 27 points.
It got worse for New York as guard JR Smith was ejected for a flagrant foul. His replacement, rookie Chris Copeland ended up leading the Knicks with 15 points. 10 of those were scored in six minutes of the third period.
The game was such a blowout, fan favorite Kent Bazemore played nearly five minutes in the fourth quarter. He brought the house down with his 3-pointer with 39 seconds left, which provided the final margin of the game.
As for Bollywood night, it was the third annual celebration of Indian-American culture and fans were given different color t-shirts. There were ceremonial dances during time outs and even the Warrior Girls wore Indian themed costumes.
The Warriors held the Knicks to 63 points, the fewest allowed by the franchise to any opponent since December 28, 1953 when the Philadelphia Warriors defeated the Milwaukee Hawks, 69-63. … New York shot 27 percent for the game. The last time the Warriors held a team to under .300 shooting was November 27, 1975 at Washington (.269). … The Warriors led for all but the first 2:14 of the game.
Last modified March 14, 2013 3:58 pm
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