The Westchester Knicks entered their holiday matchup against the Capital City Go-Go searching for a bounce-back win after a narrow loss to Delaware. With head coach DeSagana Diop returning to the bench, the Knicks aimed to stay atop the Eastern Conference Showcase Cup standings.
However, Capital City quickly established its dominance. Ryan Nembhard Jr. spearheaded an early 10–2 run, showcasing the balanced scoring attack that made the Go-Go dangerous entering the matchup. Boo Buie responded with five quick points to halt the momentum, but Capital City still closed the first quarter ahead 34–28 behind Nembhard’s flawless shooting.
Westchester flipped the script in the second quarter despite limited production from G League scoring leader T.J. Warren, who struggled with foul trouble. The Knicks leaned on Donovan Williams, Buie, and Damion Baugh, whose aggressive play fueled a 10-point lead midway through the quarter.
An emphatic Alex McConnell dunk highlighted the run, giving Westchester its first real control of the game. Still, Capital City responded late, as Nembhard and Taylor Funk combined for clutch buckets to trim the deficit to six at halftime. The Knicks entered the break leading 63–57, despite Capital City’s trio shooting nearly 90 percent from the field.
Westchester carried its momentum into the second half with an 11–0 run, stretching the lead to 17. The Knicks ignited their offensive fire in the third quarter, shooting 62 percent to increase their lead to a game-high 20 points.
Capital City struggled to keep pace during the stretch, as Westchester controlled tempo and spacing. Everything appeared to be trending toward a statement win as the Knicks entered the fourth quarter firmly in control.
What followed was a stunning reversal. Capital City erupted offensively in the final quarter, shooting 62 percent while the Knicks went ice-cold, converting just 25 percent from the field. Costly turnovers, including a shot-clock violation, fueled the comeback.
Erik Stevenson drilled a game-tying three with just over two minutes remaining, erasing a 14-point deficit. Despite brief late baskets from Warren and Jacob Toppin, poor execution down the stretch allowed Capital City to seize control.
With the game tied in the final seconds, Ryan Nembhard Jr. delivered the decisive blow. After Westchester committed an offensive foul, Capital City advanced the ball, and Nembhard converted a driving bank-shot layup to secure a 114–112 victory.
Capital City closed the game on a dominant 33–15 fourth-quarter run. Nembhard finished with 30 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, while Funk, Jalen McDaniels, Stevenson, and Justin Champagnie provided critical support.
The loss drops Westchester behind Capital City in the Eastern Conference standings, marking their third defeat by eight points or fewer this season. The Knicks will get a chance at redemption in an immediate rematch at home on Sunday afternoon.
Yep, we have one too
