T. J. Warren leads Westchester Knicks 114-110 over Herd

Following their thrilling 124–117 victory over the Wisconsin Herd, the Westchester Knicks aimed for another significant victory on Tuesday night. Westchester wanted to keep up its momentum on the second night of a back-to-back despite numerous injuries.

The Knicks entered the matchup with a 5–2 record this month, winning four of their last five games. They also looked to climb the standings and secure the tiebreaker over the Delaware Blue Coats.

Could they continue their hot streak?

Fast-Paced Start Favors

Both teams traded baskets early, creating a fast-paced and high-scoring opening quarter. The Knicks and Herd combined to make nine of their first 12 field-goal attempts. Westchester struggled to match that efficiency defensively.

Low early energy allowed the Herd easy paint finishes and uncontested rhythm threes. Wisconsin continued attacking the rim, highlighted by an emphatic Henry Ellenson dunk. The Herd scored 20 of their 28 first-quarter points in the paint.

With eight points in the first half, Ellenson led Wisconsin. Meanwhile, Knicks guard Donovan Williams carried the offense with 16 of Westchester’s 23 first-quarter points.

Knicks leading scorer TJ Warren went scoreless in the first quarter, putting early pressure on Westchester’s rotation.

Ellenson scored highlight plays for the Herd, who posted 20 of 28 first-quarter points in the paint. Williams scored 16. TJ Warren was held scoreless in the opening quarter, while the Herd’s bench outscored the Knicks’ depleted players 30-2.

The Knicks started the second quarter with energy, matching the Herd shot for shot despite a quick 10-4 run. Tyler Smith dominated the floor, while the Knicks cut an 18-point deficit to nine before halftime. The Herd led 62-50.

Smith and Ellenson combined for 30 first-half points. Williams scored 20 of the Knicks’ 50, while no one else reached double digits.

The Knicks opened the third with a 7-0 run, led by Williams and Warren, cutting the Herd’s lead to five. Warren scored the next three baskets, giving the Knicks their first lead since early in the game.

The crowd roared as Williams hit a three-pointer, putting the Knicks ahead 85-83. Warren finished the quarter 10-of-14 from the field.

Fourth Quarter Finish

The fourth quarter slowed as both teams struggled to shoot. The Herd made 20% of their first 10 shots, while the Knicks shot a dreadful 35%. Okeke hit a three, and Williams dunked to give the Knicks a 99-98 lead. Brown fouled out with 3:11 left.

Baugh completed a three-point play, and Warren added a layup, pushing the lead to 112-105 with under two minutes remaining. The Herd scored five quick points, cutting the lead to one. Akinjo missed a final three, and O’Connell sealed the 114-110 win.

Warren and Williams scored 31 points each, marking the second time this month two Knicks scored 30+ in one game. Ellenson and Smith combined for 43 points for the Herd, but Akinjo and Johnson couldn’t close the gap.

The Knicks have won five of six and face the Windy City Bulls Saturday at 8 p.m. Eastern in Chicago.