After blowing a 19-point third quarter lead to the New Orleans Pelicans, head coach Jeff Hornacek blasted the New York Knicks for their lackadaisical effort.
For a second consecutive season, the New York Knicks have turned losing close games into an art form. No lead is safe when the Knicks possess it, and teams are beginning to capitalize on their inconsistency in the second half.
Following New York’s latest implosion in the clutch, head coach Jeff Hornacek ripped his team for their weak effort against the New Orleans Pelicans.
New York led the Pelicans by as many as 19 points in the third quarter, but ultimately lost 123-118 in overtime. After holding New Orleans to 13 points in the first quarter, it allowed 35 in the second, 34 in the third, 27 in the fourth, and 14 in overtime.
According to Zach Braziller of The New York Post, head coach Jeff Hornacek blasted the Knicks for their lackadaisical effort and questioned if a lineup change is necessary.
"“We might have to change lineups going into the second half or something, because we come out there lackadaisically, like, ‘Oh, we’re just playing a game.’ You can’t play like that.”"
Hornacek continued:
"“Anthony Davis is one of the best players in this league, and they throw it back to him, and we allow him to shoot an 18-footer. Like you think he’s going to miss it?”"
Mental mistakes and a lack of intensity during the second half of games have been trademarks of the Knicks’ season.
It’s odd to note that, during the months of October and November, New York actually thrived during the fourth quarters of games. It earned the reputation of one of the best fourth quarter teams in the NBA, and it had a positive net rating to support that status.
Since Tim Hardaway Jr. went down with a lower leg injury that cost him 20 games, however, the Knicks have lost their touch.
Hardaway is back in the rotation, but New York has yet to shake the inconsistency that inevitably sent Hornacek into a fury.
The offensive woes appeared to have been cured against New Orleans, which is something of a silver lining. Three different players scored at least 20 points, Enes Kanter added 18 points and 10 rebounds, and New York buried 12 three-point field goals.
Defense remains the top priority, however, and it failed to show up against Anthony Davis and the Pelicans on Sunday.
Must Read: Five reasons to love the Trey Burke signing
If the goal is still making the postseason, the New York Knicks need to learn how to close out games.