Thunder defeat Knicks 95-94

In what was a great game, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New York Knicks tonight at Madison Square Garden.

Kevin Durant provided 34 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in a dominating performance. Durant was aggressive on the offensive end and really took it to the Knicks defense. His teammate, Russell Westbrook scored 21 points. Westbrook scored early on for the Thunder, but really did a nice job in letting Durant do the heavy lifting late in the ballgame. Both really had moments in this game when they were unstoppable, that is why the Thunder were able to win tonight.

JR Smith was the Knicks source of offense tonight. Smith scored a season high 36 points including six three-pointers. This was Smith’s night to shine and he knew it. He did an excellent job in getting his mid-range jumper working and that really opened the rest of his game. Tonight was his best performance and he did everything he could to his team the win.

This was a close game throughout, with the Knicks having a chance to win the game. JR Smith was given the opportunity to win the game, but he would miss a contested jump shot.

The final play will be dissected for days, but the Knicks played a great game.

Kenyon Martin emerged as a vital part of the Knicks defense. Martin fouled out late in the fourth quarter, but he did an excellent job in his season high 16 minutes of action.

Also, Amare Stoudemire played a strong game. Stoudemire was able to scored 16 points off the bench. His post moves really were strong tonight and he did an excellent job in getting to the basket. This was also a nice defensive game by Stoudemire who recorded two blocks.

The Knicks cannot hang their heads after this loss, but instead take the positives from it. The Knicks now drop to 37-22 on the season and will now have to prepare for the Utah Jazz on Saturday.

This was a great game from many standpoints, and one that the Knicks can build on. The Thunder defeated the Knicks 95-94, but the Knicks played a gritty game. As the Knicks head into a long road trip next week, they have to stay positive and know that they can play with the elite teams. Tonight wasn’t their night, but they cannot dwell on it.

Photo Credit: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

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