The New York Knicks came out of the gates strong, but ultimately fell 108-101 to the Utah Jazz. What exactly transpired in New York?
In a week that continues to feel like it will never end, the New York Knicks started their road trip at 0-2. The negative headlines continue to make New York a less appealing free agency target.
Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks can’t get out of their own way.
Once again, the Knicks failed to execute—or in the very least show improvement for a full four quarters in any of the areas that they have struggled miserably with all season. Sure, Utah is a formidable opponent. By no means was New York really expected to win on the second game of their road stretch this week, but something has got to give way and break the streak of terrible play and the inability to finish games when leading.
To make matters worse, hours before the game, former point guard Brandon Jennings would go on to comment about the dysfunction of the Knicks organization. He piled on to the conversation Shaquille O’Neal recently raised in regards to the triangle offense.
The Knicks cant seem to get out of their own way and former players don’t have much of anything positive to say about their time in New York. Even ex-Knick Iman Shumpert’s statements to the Daily News a few days ago was absolutely cringe-worthy, and respectfully honest.
It felt rather unnatural for the Knicks to come out of the gate as well as they had, but Utah was cold, starting 0-6 from the field to start. Porzingis would nail a pair of 3-pointers early, and the unit would lead by as many as 13 points in the first half.
New York held that lead until the third quarter.
Three Quarters Of Success
The cast had a decent night on the offensive end, with Kristaps Porzingis leading at 24 points. Derrick Rose added 16 points and Carmelo Anthony had 15.
Early on, the Knicks seemed to move the ball with ease and fluidity. The comments from Porzingis seemed to echo throughout the locker room. Unfortunately, this was merely an illusion that lasted for the first half.
Otherwise, there wasn’t much to be said about a good night for anyone. Ron Baker had a poor outing, making several bad decisions when the ball was in his hands. Kyle O’Quinn couldn’t stay out of foul trouble.
Teams continue to have their way with the Knicks in the paint. There’s still no sign of an answer as to why New York is so incapable of playing defense.
Rudy Gobert was the unexpected star of the night. He scored a career-high 35 points and pulled down 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Hayward finished the night an abysmal 6-of-17 from the field.
It was inconsequential. He was a pest throughout the night on the defensive end, causing several poorly managed possessions by the Knicks.
Rotation Changes, Moving Forward
The Knicks are still completely at a loss for answers as far as the remainder of the season is concerned. With the Trail Blazers coming up as their third road game in four nights, New York’s bench should see more minutes.
Derrick Rose was reportedly seen in the hallway post-game limping. Depending on severity of the injury, he will likely be a game-time decision. More minutes for Chasson Randle are within reason.
The Knicks need to start wrapping this season up in orderly fashion, as well as prevent and minimize any possible injuries. It must also not give wasted minutes to players who wont be returning next year.
With few games left, the younger and inexperienced players need all the minutes they can to make a final impression.
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For heaven’s sake, the New York Knicks must find someone who will be excited to play and embrace the triangle scheme in the process.