After a heartbreaking 114–112 loss on Friday, the Westchester Knicks returned home searching for redemption. Ryan Nembhard’s buzzer-beater lingered as Westchester prepared for a quick road trip later in the week. The focus centered on one question: could the Knicks slow Capital City down?
Westchester opened the game sharply, jumping out to a 9–2 lead with strong defensive energy. Capital City responded immediately, unleashing a 15–2 run fueled by Justin Champagnie’s early scoring burst. The back-and-forth start quickly tilted, giving Capital City a 17–11 lead midway through the first quarter.
Foul trouble soon plagued the Knicks, pushing them into the penalty early. Capital City exploited every mistake, attacking the basket and swinging the ball for easy looks. Defensive pressure mounted as the Knicks struggled to regain control.
Erik Stevenson ignited the game off the bench, reminding everyone why he is one of the G League’s most dangerous sixth men. He poured in nine points in five minutes, including a smooth jumper off a John Butler Jr. screen. That shot extended Capital City’s lead to 32–17 and silenced the crowd.
The first quarter spiraled quickly for Westchester. Capital City closed the period on a staggering 35–9 run, overwhelming the Knicks on both ends. Westchester’s top scorers—TJ Warren, Boo Buie, and Chuma Okeke—combined for just three made shots.
Their struggles were evident throughout the quarter, as they finished with a collective minus 29. Capital City dominated the opening tip in terms of tempo, spacing, and physicality. Capital City wasted no time starting the second quarter, scoring six quick points.
Mouhamadou Gueye punctuated the run with a thunderous cut-and-slam that forced a Knicks timeout. The lead ballooned to 26 as Capital City continued dictating the pace. Westchester showed brief life, cutting the deficit to 16 midway through the quarter. The Knicks connected on five of their next eight shots, including two three-pointers. Each small run, however, met an immediate response.
Capital City pushed the advantage to 29 late in the half, leading 77–48 with just over a minute remaining. They entered halftime ahead 81–57, firmly in control. Four Capital City players reached double figures before halftime, led by Jalen McDaniels and Erik Stevenson.
Justin Champagnie and Ryan Nembhard added consistent pressure, keeping the Knicks on their heels. Capital City finished the half with an astonishing plus-61 collectively.
For Westchester, T.J. Warren, Damion Baugh, and Donovan Williams carried the scoring load. Despite their points, the trio combined for a minus-31 rating. Heading into the second half, the Knicks faced a formidable challenge.
Westchester showed renewed urgency to open the second half. Boo Buie and Donovan Williams led an early 8–0 run, cutting the deficit to 16. Still, Capital City continued scoring, reaching 100 points with over four minutes remaining in the third. Defensive lapses at the perimeter and rim persisted for the Knicks.
Late in the quarter, momentum shifted. Capital City cooled off and committed unforced mistakes, allowing Westchester to surge. The Knicks closed the quarter on a 21–6 run, led by Williams’ relentless attacks.
Despite the period’s 36–25 outscoring, Capital City maintained a 106–93 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The Knicks carried their momentum into the final quarter, forcing turnovers and cutting the deficit to single digits for the first time since early action.
Hope peaked when Chuma Okeke drilled a clutch three to make it a two-point game. However, Stevenson answered with five straight points, including a tough fadeaway and pull-up three.
Westchester refused to fold. Free throws and a four-point play from Okeke brought the Knicks within one with seconds remaining. Still, the Capital City stayed composed at the line.
After trading free throws in the final moments, Westchester’s comeback attempt fell short. Capital City escaped with a 129–127 victory in back-to-back thrillers.
Capital City extended its winning streak to three games behind dominant performances from Stevenson and Champagnie.
Together, they poured in 57 points. However, the Knicks dropped their third straight game despite strong efforts from T.J. Warren, Donovan Williams, and Damion Baugh. Poor three-point shooting and defensive breakdowns proved costly.
Westchester now heads on the road for back-to-back games against Raptors 905, searching for answers and a much-needed win.
Yep, we have one too
