Wassup in Westchester: W-Knicks split back-to-back while a fan favorite bids farewell

The Westchester Knicks split a back-to-back over the weekend, losing to the first-place Maine Red Claws but salvaging a victory against the Northern Arizona Suns.

The W-Knicks lost to Maine even though they had fewer turnovers, more assists, more steals, and their bench outscored the Red Claws 30-13. The big difference was that Westchester only went to the free-throw line twice in the entire game. It was a tie game at half-time but the Red Claws pulled away in the second half proving why they are the top team in the Atlantic Division. The loss dropped the W-Knicks to a season low 6 games under .500.

Guard John Jenkins led the W-Knicks in scoring for the 2nd straight game with 21 points and 3 rebounds. Jenkins playing in his first home game is exactly what the W-Knicks were looking for when they picked him up off waivers to counterbalance the loss of leading scorer Chasson Randle to the NBA. Jordon Crawford, in what turned out to be his last game at the Westchester County Center, had one of his strongest starts of the year chipping in with 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.

Westchester’s losing streak finally came to an end with a comeback win against the Northern Arizona Suns (18-15) on Saturday night. For the third straight game guard John Jenkins led the W-Knicks in scoring with 22 points.

The W-Knicks needed to stop the bleeding so big brother Knicks sent down center Marshall Plumlee and forward Maurice Ndour to Westchester before the game. Plumlee provided a few highlight dunks and finished the game with 21 points and 9 rebounds.

Ndour looked sharp again for Westchester ending the game with 15 points and 6 rebounds.

Guards Kevin Capers and Von Wafer each contributed with 17 points. The guards are going to be relied on even more after the shocking trade of Jordon Crawford before the game.

That’s right, W-Knicks fans: Fan favorite point guard Jordon Crawford was traded to the Canton Charge along with a 3rd round D-League draft pick in exchange for a 2nd round pick in the 2017 draft. He bade goodbye to his fans in a touching social media post.

Best of luck to you, little guy!

Next game for Westchester is a Valentine’s Day matchup against Jerry Stackhouse and the Raptors 905 in Canada.