New York Knicks: Comeback kids can’t fully capitalize against Cavaliers

The New York Knicks tried to turn everything around against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but to no avail.

The New York Knicks walked into Wednesday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers with a tinkered look; instead of Mario Hezonja receiving his 11th consecutive start, Kevin Knox cleared a path for him in the lineup, following up on a string of strong performances.

Knox’s last start was on Nov. 18, the end of a three-game run that led to a veteran-laden lineup’s introduction. That has started to change, with Frank Ntilikina‘s recent rise and Damyean Dotson sticking in the rotation.

Well, Knox delivered on this promotion, shooting 7-for-15 for 16 points and seven rebounds. It became his fourth double-digit point game in his last six and yet another glimpse at what he can provide to the future of this organization.

The 19-year-old rookie also took just one game to nearly match Hezonja’s17-point high as a starter and two outings of double-digit points. The difference was apparent, and it would be a surprise to see head coach David Fizdale revert this move.

On top of Knox, Ntilikina delivered another standout game, with 16 points, three rebounds and four assists. That end-of-the-bench demotion, like others, revitalized the second-year man’s play for more than just one night.

Now, with seven, 18 and 16 points in his log since returning to the rotation, there’s little chance he ever leaves it again. Maybe it was the spark needed for a historically conservative player, who’s still 20-years-old and trying to make his mark in the NBA. Each player learns differently, and, for now, it seems Fizdale’s strategy worked.

Otherwise, these players were part of New York’s 22-point comeback to overtake the Cavaliers in the second half. It was a surprise to see them down this much, especially to a unit without Tristan Thompson and general questions across the roster.

However, a slow fourth quarter caused the Knicks’ night to take a turn for the worst, and it came down to Cleveland’s backcourt of Rodney Hood, Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton combining for 70 points.

• Another 20-point, 10-rebound night from Enes Kanter. He consistently produces in the starting lineup, whether or not a future exists with this organization.
• Tim Hardaway Jr. fell below 40 percent shooting for the eighth time in the last 10 games, dating back to Nov. 23. He’s not a consistent scorer, as evidenced with his play over the past two seasons, but this streaky run is still hardly what he did in this campaign’s first five weeks.
• Aside from Ntilikina, the bench combined for eight points. No Allonzo Trier and Trey Burke was clear, especially as Luke Kornet received an early run in the game. Hezonja went 1-for-3 in his return to the pine.
• Emmanuel Mudiay isn’t shooting as he did before, but he added 16 points, eight rebounds and seven assists to at least sniff a triple-double.
• The Knicks have lost seven of their last eight games, a far cry from that three-game winning streak. They sit 8-21 and even closer to the top lottery odds.

The New York Knicks will return to the court on Friday, Dec. 14, to face the Charlotte Hornets at 7:00 p.m. ET.