Daily Knicks
Fansided

Poor Late-Game Execution Sends Knicks to Four-Game Losing Streak

By William Lee

Feb 5, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) reacts after being called for a foul against Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Grizzlies defeated the Knicks 91-85. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) reacts after being called for a foul against Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Grizzlies defeated the Knicks 91-85. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

211. Final. 85. 27. 91

Friday night, the New York Knicks tried to end their three game losing streak against the Memphis Grizzlies. Although, it was a tall task to ask for as New York played without Carmelo Anthony due left knee soreness, and Lance Thomas because he was suffering from concussion symptoms.

Despite not having two crucial players, the Knicks were one possession away from tying the game up with 1:29 remaining in the game, but foolish fouls and poor late-game execution gave New York their fourth loss in a row.

With the score 85-82 after a clutch Arron Afflalo jump shot, Langston Galloway foolishly fouled Mike Conley while he was dribbling the ball up. New York was over the foul limit and Conley went to the charity-strip and knocked down both free-throws to give Memphis a 87-82 lead. Conley finished the game with 8 points and 9 assists.

More from Daily Knicks

On the ensuing possession the Knicks committed yet… another foolish foul as Jose Calderon went into the lane for a layup, Robin Lopez was called for an offensive foul for holding off Marc Gasol from contesting the shot. Fortunately for New York the Grizzlies did not capitalize on the error.

Afflalo then knocked down a three-pointer that got the Knicks within one possession once again; 87-85, but close to a minute had came off the clock…

New York would get the stop they needed with 16.9 seconds left in the game. Head coach Derek Fisher did not call a timeout and allowed the Knicks to play on, which in hindsight was a poor decision… In semi-transition Afflalo decided it would be a good idea to take a turnaround fadeaway in an attempt to tie the game up… Needless to say… Afflalo missed the shot and Memphis went on to win 91-85.

Afflalo finished the game with 14 points but needed 15 field goal attempts to do so. Calderon returned to the starting lineup after missing four games with a groin injury, and finished the game with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.

More from Knicks News

Calderon was the one that kept the Knicks in the game, scoring the first-seven points for New York after the team had fallen behind 10-0 a couple of minutes from tip-off.

Tony Allen wrecked havoc on the Knicks early on, scoring a three-pointer right from jump, and then getting to the baseline for a layup. On the ensuing possession Allen then blocked Lopez.

The first quarter was very disjointed and sloppy with a combined eight turnovers, half of which were offensive fouls. New York was completely shut down by the sixth-best defensive team in the league, Memphis only allows 98.7 opponent points per game. Friday night, the Knicks shot 37.5% from the field.

Rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis though had a good game, collecting his 17th double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Porzingis was feeling it from long-distance, knocking down three triples, and also threw the Grizzlies a block party – rejecting six shots!

Jeff Green led the Grizzlies in scoring with 16 points off the bench. Green had a couple of spectacular highlight dunks as he contributed to Memphis’ 53 bench points scored against New York Friday night!

Next: NBA Rumors: Mike Conley Open to Signing with Knicks

The Knicks will look to end their four game losing streak in a afternoon game with the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. Due to NBA concussion protocol, Thomas will also be held out for Sunday’s game.

Home/Knicks News