Knicks Despicably Loss 99-91 to Shorthanded Pelicans

The New York Knicks were despicable Monday night, losing to the injury-riddled shorthanded New Orleans Pelicans.

The Pelicans only had ten active players available, with almost all of their top players shelved. New Orleans played without Anthony Davis, Ryan Anderson, Tyreke Evans, Quincy Pondexter, Eric Gordon, and Norris Cole!

Somehow the Knicks managed to still squander such a great opportunity to win a game… Also, the Knicks somehow squandered a great start… in which New York shot 57.1% from the field in the first quarter, converting on their first-five attempts from the field.

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Rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis had the touch early on, knocking down his first-three attempts. Porzingis showed off his offensive repertoire, displaying his athleticism, connecting on an alley-opp from Sasha Vujacic. Then showing his ball-handling skills, crossing over and converting on a shimmy fadeaway-jumper. Lastly, Porzingis showed off his range by knocking down a three-pointer that gave the Knicks an early 14-6 lead.

Although it was Robin Lopez that led New York in scoring after one quarter of play, scoring nine points in the opening period. Lopez had a very efficient night, finishing the game with 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting.

There wasn’t much defense being played in the first quarter as the Pelicans also shot over 50% in the opening period. New York held a slim lead throughout the first half. The Knicks started to get careless with the basketball in the second quarter, committing four turnovers in the period. New Orleans capitalized on the carelessness, scoring a dozen fast break points in the first half.

New York Knicks

The Pelicans even held a lead briefly in the second quarter, but Carmelo Anthony hit back-to-back three-pointers that swung the momentum back in favor of the Knicks. New York led 54-49 at halftime and held a double-digit lead early in the third quarter, but was quickly erased with three consecutive three-pointers by New Orleans. The Pelicans went on a 15-0 run to lead 64-59 with 4:14 remaining in the third quarter.

The Knicks were miserable in the third quarter, being held to without a field goal for 8.5 minute. Missing 14 straight attempts from the field. New York shot only 14.3% in the third quarter, making only three field goals… The Pelicans didn’t shoot much better, but outscored the Knicks 19-10 in the period, entering the fourth quarter with a 68-64 lead.

Anthony tried to put the Knicks on his shoulders and carry them to victory, scoring eight points in the opening three minutes of the final period; tying the game up at 75 a piece.

It was not enough though, as the Pelicans responded with a a 9-2 run that gave New Orleans a 84-77 with 5:03 left in the game. During the Pelicans’ run, Arron Afflalo was a complete DISASTER. Afflalo committed a turnover, offensive foul, loose ball foul, and shooting foul. Afflalo’s +/- was a team-worst -6 in the fourth quarter, and was BY FAR the worst overall, with a -17 for the game. Which was leaps and bounds worse than any other player on the team, a full -10 worse than the second worst +/- on the team Monday night…

The Knicks would actually lead for a WHOLE six seconds, as Jose Calderon hit a couple of three-pointers on a 8-0 run, but once again… New York would be held to without a field goal for a prolonged stretch… Essentially being held to without a field goal for the final three minutes of regulation, with the exception of a meaningless basket at the very end.

The Pelicans would go on to win the game 99-91, with Jrue Holiday leading the way with 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Former-Knick Toney Douglas also was crucial in New Orleans’ victory Monday night, scoring 16 points; half of which came in the second quarter – keeping the Pelicans in the game. Douglas finished the game with a game- best plus-22 +/-.

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Porzingis petered out after a strong start, making only one more field goal throughout the game. However, the 7’3″ Latvian still managed to get his 21st double-double of the season, finishing the game with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Baton Rouge native Langston Galloway had a solid homecoming game, finishing with 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists. Although there was a bit of a scare, when it looked like he may have been injured but it looked to be nothing more than a minor sprain.

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The Knicks will have a tough task ahead, as New York will face a desperate Dallas Mavericks team; who are playing for their Playoff lives. Hopefully, the Knicks can play with a lot more desire and fire than Monday night…