New York Knicks: It Wasn’t Just A Loss, It Was A Wake Up Call

Coming off their most brutal loss of the 2016-17 NBA season against the Phoenix Suns, the New York Knicks have a lot to worry about it.

Last night, the New York Knicks suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Suns—Jeff Hornacek’s former team. The Knicks went down early, as they tend to do, and couldn’t muster up a lead until midway through the fourth quarter.

Some of that had to do with Derrick Rose leaving the game after 10 minutes and failing to return.

At first, I thought Rose’s back spasms were acting up again, and the Knicks were playing it safe. Then, in the fourth quarter, Hornacek made the decision to leave Ron Baker in the game during a pivotal stretch, during which the Knicks regained the lead.

Some would speculate that Hornacek left that rotation in there because they were playing well, which I’d agree with. However, I believe it’s also possible that Hornacek wanted Baker to get some prime time fourth quarter action because he may have to back up Brandon Jennings if Rose is out for an extended period of time.

Unfortunately, it’s too early to tell how serious this injury is, but based on the extended minutes for Baker last night, Hornacek may be preparing for the worst. Without a healthy Rose, the Knicks won’t be able to make a playoff push, considering the lack of depth at point guard.

Hopefully, this isn’t a lingering injury. With a healthy Rose, the Knicks would have a slashing guard to go alongside the Knicks’ newest superstar, Kristaps Porzingis.

Porzingod had one of the best games of his young career, putting up 34 points and eight rebounds while shooting 4-of-4 from beyond the arc. It seems like other teams are starting to take notice, playing Porzingis with a lot more physicality.

Early in the third quarter, Porzingis got into a scuffle with Phoenix Suns rookie Marquese Chriss, which resulted in a couple of technicals and a flagrant foul.

This moment sparked a serious run for Porzingis and the bench (Justin Holiday, Kyle O’Quinn, Baker, and Lance Thomas), propelling the Knicks to a fourth quarter lead.

The final play, which was originally drawn up for Carmelo Anthony, ended up in Porzingis’ hands with the game on line. With a chance to ice the game and cement his incredible performance, he was a little off. After Porzingis fouled out in overtime, the Knicks lost all momentum and came up short, 113-111.

With that being said, here are the four biggest takeaways from Tuesday’s battle against the Suns.

The Defense

The Knicks’ achilles heel has been their defense, and it showed again last night. The Knicks were killed on the glass, mostly at the hands of former Knick Tyson Chandler, who pulled down 23 rebounds. The Knicks also struggled to defend the fast break, giving up 33 points. To be considered a great team, you must close out inferior opponents, and the Knicks failed to do so last night.

Derrick Rose

For the second time in four games, Derrick Rose left with back spasms. Last time, it resulted in two missed games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings. This time, it may result in Rose missing another crucial game against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.

More importantly, what is Derrick Rose’s long term health look like going forward?

Jeff Hornacek

Jeff Hornacek has done a pretty good job with the Knicks this season, which are still fourth in the Eastern Conference after the loss to the Suns. He has shown both fans and his players that he will reward you for your effort.

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Late in the fourth quarter and in dire need of a comeback, Hornacek went with O’Quinn, Porzingis, Thomas, Holiday, and Baker, who went on a terrific run, allowing the Knicks to recapture the lead. If certain players want to take nights off and not play with intensity on both ends, then other players should get playing time. I respect Hornacek for his commitment, and it will help the Knicks moving forward.

Kristaps Porzingis

This man is the real deal, ladies and gentlemen. With Rose playing 10 total minutes, and Anthony shooting a pedestrian 3-of-15 from the field, Porzingis still had the Knicks in a position to win this game.

For the Knicks to be a true success, the offense must run through Porzingis. He is a mismatch nightmare against basically every team, and running the pick and roll with a capable point guard could be a lethal combination.

Despite the injury to Rose, ‘Melo’s inconsistency, Noah’s disappointment, or Phil Jackson’s comments, the Knicks should focus on one thing.

Must Read: 5 reasons Phil Jackson won't leave in 2017

They have Kristaps Porzingis, and he is only 21 years old!