Shorthanded Knicks’ Fourth Quarter Run Unable to Combat Herd

OSHKOSH, WI – January 18, 2023 – The Westchester Knicks, the official NBA G League affiliate of the New York Knicks, were unable to overcome the Wisconsin Herd, 127-118 at the Oshkosh Arena Wednesday afternoon.

Two-Way Player DaQuan Jeffries paced the Knicks (2-5) with 25 points on 8-13 shooting, 5-7 from downtown. Jeffries totaled six rebounds, six assists, two steals and two rejections as well. Nuni Omot (affiliate) scored 18 points as a reserve on 50-percent shooting. Obadiah Noel’s (available player pool) 17 points were achieved on 50-percent shooting and accompanied a career-high eight rebounds and four dimes. Garrison Brooks (affiliate) nabbed another double-double comprised of 16 points and 15 rebounds-his highest rebounding total in 12 games. 

Jordan Bone had 25 points for the Herd (4-4) and gave six assists. Sandro Mamukelashvili finished with a 20-point and 12-rebound double-double. Jontay Porter’s double-double consisted of 14 points and 10 rebounds. Brandon Randolph added 16 points off the bench. 

The Knicks were victim to a 29-point deficit in the third quarter, 95-66, and only cut into the hole by two points, 107-80, heading into the fourth. 

The first quarter stayed on relatively even footing for both clubs as did the early goings of the second. Around the midway mark of the second quarter, the Herd began to distance themselves from the Knicks charging double-digit debts to the visitors and toting a 69-55 lead at the break. 

Westchester responded erupting for a 21-6 run that brought it within 12 of the hosts, 113-101, with just under seven minutes to go. With 2:30 remaining, the Knicks trailed by only eight, their first time behind single digits since late in the second period. A Wisconsin miss on the ensuing possession and a Brooks’ emphatic dunk saw Westchester withing six points of Wisconsin but unfortunately would be the closest it would get for the duration of the contest.

Sunday, January 22 at 1 PM, the Knicks return to the hardwood against the Iowa Wolves at Total Mortgage Arena.