Knicks Garner First Win of the Season Versus Nets, 104-98

BRIDGEPORT, CT – November 17, 2021 – The Westchester Knicks, the official NBA G League affiliate of the New York Knicks, defeated the Long Island Nets by six points, 104-98, Wednesday night at Webster Bank Arena.

The Knicks’ (1-4) largest advantage occurred when the home team went up by as many as 14 with 5:57 left in the second quarter. Long Island (1-3) cut the deficit to four at halftime, and the game was close throughout the second half. Despite the close score, the Knicks held on to its lead the entire second half. In the final two minutes of the game, the Nets made it a one possession game on two occasions, but Westchester weathered the storm with the help of Luka Samanic (Two-Way) hitting two key baskets down the stretch, and Kethan Savage (tryout) putting on the finishing touches, hitting the final free-throw of the game.

Returning from his three-game absence, Samanic led the way for the Knicks with a double-double of 32 points and 10 rebounds, while shooting an efficient 52.2-perecnt from the field. Coming over from the New York Knicks, Miles McBride (assignment) finished with 25 points on 41.7-percemt shooting and led the team with nine assists on the night. Aamir Simms (affiliate) poured in his third double-double of the season thus far with 19 points and 10 rebounds, all on a highly effective 57.1-perecnt shooting.

As a team, Westchester shot a season-high 46.5-percent (40-for-86) and found success inside by scoring 50 points in the paint, to go along with 17 fast break points contrasting the Nets’ 42 and nine in the respective categories.

Craig Randall II and Brandon Rachal each led Long Island with 17 points. Rachal’s point total accompanied ten boards.

The Knicks will get a few days before facing off against the Long Island Nets again on Tuesday, November 23 at 7 PM ET at Webster Bank Arena.