Motor City Cruise snaps Westchester Knicks nine-game win streak
Capping off the Tip-Off Tournament season, the Westchester Knicks won the Winter Showcase in Orlando for the second consecutive year. The Knicks entered the regular season with nine straight wins. Meanwhile, Motor City Cruise was desperate to snap a five-game losing streak in the Central Division.
TJ Warren got the Knicks started quickly, scoring the first two baskets. However, sloppy turnovers plagued both teams early, with six combined in the first four and a half minutes.
The Cruise made a small run to take a slight lead, but the Knicks tied the game at 10 apiece.
Knicks Struggle Despite Defensive Effort
Motor City shot 46% from the field in the first quarter, while the Knicks struggled at just 38.5%. The Knicks’ defense held Cole Swider to 1-of-9 shooting in the first half. Daniss Jenkins led the Cruise with seven points, while Warren and Damion Baugh combined for 12 of the Knicks’ 22.
The Knicks heated up in the second quarter, connecting on six of their first ten shots to lead 36-31 at the 8:49 mark. Careless turnovers and lackadaisical defense allowed Motor City to reclaim the lead briefly. Boo Buie III hit a three-pointer to put the Knicks ahead 44-43.
The Knicks shot 50% from the field in the half, led by Warren and Kaiden Rice, who combined for 22 of the Knicks’ 56 first-half points.
Motor City Dominates Third Quarter
The Knicks began the second half cold, hitting just 3-of-13 shots. Meanwhile, the Cruise scored efficiently inside 15 feet on five of their first six attempts.
Jamal Bey was assessed a technical, leading to free throws and possession for the Cruise, who outscored the Knicks 37-22 in the third quarter. Javante McCoy scored 13 of his 21 points in the period, pushing Motor City to a double-digit lead heading into the fourth.
Knicks Fall Short in Fourth Quarter
Poor decision-making continued for the Knicks in the final period. The Cruise shot 70% on their first 10 attempts and hit five of seven threes. Moses Brown fouled out with eight points, 11 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. The Knicks lost 139-117, ending their nine-game win streak.
Seven players scored in double figures for the Cruise. Swider, Stevens, and McCoy each scored 20+, combining for 68 points. The Cruise contained Warren, the G League’s leading forward scorer, to just 15 points on 6-of-15 shooting, well below his 25.1 average.
The Knicks are now 0-3 when Warren scores under 20 points and shoots below 50%.
