Hurricane Sandy delayed the start of the season for both the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, but on Monday night, the rivalry will finally begin at the brand new Barclays Center in Brooklyn at 7:00 pm ET.
The storm that ravaged the East Coast postponed the scheduled Nov. 1 regular-season opener, but nearly four weeks later these two teams finally will meet.
The Knicks (9-3) lead the division, but the Nets are one game behind, thanks in part to a 6-1 home record - the franchise's best start at home since winning 18 of the first 19 of 2002-03.
"Seven games is still early," said guard Deron Williams. "But we've protected home court for the most part and I think our fans have been great, the atmosphere has been great and we're looking to build a great home-court advantage here.''
Knicks forward, Carmelo Anthony, a native a Brooklyn, believes the Knicks as a team should find motivation to take the first victory to this new rivalry.
"If we don't get up for this game, then I don't know what games we'll get up for," Anthony said. "It's an inner-city game, New York vs. Brooklyn. To me, going back home, going back to my borough, playing my first game back there is a very special moment for myself."
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