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New York Knicks: Season of misery takes another embarrassing turn

By Rob Wolkenbrod

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 3: Dennis Smith Jr. #5 of the New York Knicks shoots a layup against the LA Clippers on March 3, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 3: Dennis Smith Jr. #5 of the New York Knicks shoots a layup against the LA Clippers on March 3, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks suffered one of their most embarrassing losses of the season, falling to the Los Angeles Clippers early and never recovering.

Sunday started the New York Knicks’ three-game road trip. It takes them through California and Arizona, before returning home later this month — the place they probably want to return to after the events of this matinee matchup.

From tip-off, the Knicks fell behind to the Los Angeles Clippers, who overwhelmed and demoralized head coach David Fizdale’s team with three-pointers — most of which were wide open takes. That crumbled this team from the start, including a 20-point deficit during the first quarter.

There was nothing for New York beyond this. The Clippers made shots without hesitation from quarter to quarter, featuring Landry Shamet‘s torrid run in the first half that made this game a landslide for the home team.

Defensive woes plagued the Knicks, as well — identical to most of this season. Lapses contributed to that Los Angeles run, and there was little done to fix it.

The middle of the third quarter featured one glimpse from the Knicks. They went on a 13-0 run to cut the Clippers lead to 22. A much-needed sequence to provide hope, but that’s all it became. Lou Williams helped keep the distance, and the Clippers walked away with a win, 128-107.

With that, New York is now 13-50.

A recurring situation, however, is Mitchell Robinson as the lone bright spot. He compiled another double-double on 16 points and 13 rebounds in 22 minutes, with DeAndre Jordan out and problems across the frontcourt. There is too much to like here, making this game a tad less disappointing.

This game also has meaning towards the “tank.” With Saturday’s win by the Phoenix Suns, the Knicks sit just a half game out of the NBA’s worst record. That’s notable for the inevitable draft lottery in May, when the team that will likely take Zion Williamson first overall is determined.

  • The Knicks actually outscored the Clippers in the second half, and they still lost by over 20 points. That’s just how one-sided the first half was.
  • All seven of Shamet’s makes were from long distance.
  • Emmanuel Mudiay continued his strong return from injury with 16 points off the bench. That’s as Dennis Smith Jr. only shot 3-for-10 as the starter.
  • Henry Ellenson‘s two-game run that earned him a new contract crashed Sunday afternoon. He had just five points on 1-for-5 shooting.

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The New York Knicks have a short turnaround, as they play on Monday, Mar. 4, against the Sacramento Kings.

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