/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65882192/1188073387.jpg.0.jpg)
The Golden State Warriors proved they currently are the worst team in the league, losing to the moribund New York Knicks 124-122 at home in Chase Center.
Marcus Morris Sr. dropped 36 points on the Bay Area’s team, while D’Angelo Russell valiantly battled back with 32 points of his own.
A horrific start for the Dubs
The Knicks treated Chase Center like it was their building, jumping out to a 30-20 advantage after one quarter. Their energy was higher and they initiated the physicality, led by Morris’ downhill attack. He scored 18 points in 14 first half minutes, including going 6-of-6 at the free throw line.
Whole team being active with four guys in double figures at the half
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 12, 2019
Marcus Morris Sr.: 18 PTS | 4 REB
RJ Barrett: 16 PTS | 6 REB
Bobby Portis: 11 PTS | 2 REB
Julius Randle: 10 PTS | 7 REB pic.twitter.com/TrC98s5EDs
Meanwhile the Warriors looked like the worst team in the league during the first half, shooting 17-of-41 from the field (33%!), while bricking 14 of their 18 attempts from beyond the arc (22%!!).
Russell led the first half scoring effort with 15 points, but a lot of his looks came in ugly possessions where he needed to make a superhuman effort.
D-Lo 4️⃣ point play pic.twitter.com/KBWhcCn8RU
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 12, 2019
An exhilarating comeback
Warriors coach Steve Kerr made an adjustment, swapping Willie Cauley-Stein who was ineffective early with Marquese Chriss, who provided a major spark.
Marquese Chriss steal & slam
— Chris Montano (@gswchris) December 12, 2019
Warriors are alive!!! pic.twitter.com/GnoLEiMC9B
The Warriors erased a 22-point deficit and took a 91-89 lead with a little over 8 minutes to play in the final frame.
After trailing by 22, the Warriors take their first lead since the first quarter. The Knicks had 5 turnovers at half. They're up to 18 with 8:05 left in the 4Q
— Kerith Burke (@KerithBurke) December 12, 2019
The Knicks wrestled the lead back to 103-98, before Chriss tried to single-handedly took the momentum back with a monster block that led to a D-Lo three-pointer.
Quese big block and stare down leads to a D’Lo 3 pic.twitter.com/aFSy6UQoc9
— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) December 12, 2019
Warriors tied the game at 103-all with just under 2 minutes to play, but the Knicks seemingly salted the game away when they took a 111-106 advantage with 15 seconds to go. But, in normal true Knicks fashion, they didn’t know what to do with the lead.
- The Knicks fouled Alec Burks on a three-pointer attempt. Burks made all three freethrows, pulling the Warriors to 111-109.
- Next, Golden State intentionally fouled R.J. Barrett, who split the free throws. Knicks 112, Warriors 109, 7.7 seconds to go.
- Then, Russell reminded the world that he has ice in his veins!!!
DLO TIES THE GAME
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) December 12, 2019
( @GVazquezNY ) pic.twitter.com/Hj3DVP4mEX
That shot sent the game into overtime, where the Knicks decided enough was enough, and put the game away.
Another loss in the end
Nothing like a battle of two evenly matched teams.
— Fast Break (@GSWFastBreak) December 12, 2019
The Knicks outshot the Warriors 47.8% to 43.1%. Golden State was especially awful from three-point range, finishing 10-of-36 from downtown (27%!!).
The Knicks came into this game with a terrible record of 4-20, including 10 straight losses. Beating the Warriors has to feel good for them. Meanwhile the Warriors blew the game, but may have won the war...the “tanking for a draft pick” war that is! #lightyears #weneedthesplashbros
lolwarriors https://t.co/YiEPTnRS1k
— r/Warriors (@GSWReddit) December 12, 2019
In the last 11 days, the Warriors have lost to the Magic, Hawks, Hornets, Grizzlies and now Knicks. They're 5-21, again falling to the bottom of the NBA standings.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 12, 2019