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New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina is back, and that’s about it

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 22: Frank Ntilikina #11 and Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks high-five during a game against the Denver Nuggets on March 22, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 22: Frank Ntilikina #11 and Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks high-five during a game against the Denver Nuggets on March 22, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks welcomed Frank Ntilikina, after two months away. However, it was not enough against one of the NBA’s top teams, 111-93.

The season can’t end soon enough for the New York Knicks. That’s attributed to yet another loss, with the latest on this brutally scheduled homestand, which already featured a dominant win by the Utah Jazz. This time, the Denver Nuggets came to town and wiped the Knicks away,

It was never a contest. The Nuggets were up 20-9 after the opening quarter’s first five minutes. That did head coach David Fizdale’s team in, and they never recovered, despite the long-awaited return of Frank Ntilikina.

Yes, the French Prince finally came back. He missed over one-fourth of the season due to a groin injury. It happened before the Jan. 31 Kristaps Porzingis trade, and, obviously, much has transpired since.

Luckily, for Ntilikina, Dennis Smith Jr. remained out with a back injury. That cleared at least 25 minutes. Kadeem Allen was around, however, and Emmanuel Mudiay started at point guard.

It was exactly that, too. 25 minutes for the 20-year-old, with five points on 1-for-6 shooting, four rebounds, and five assists. His even plus-minus was the team high. Not a desirable shooting line, but he impacted the game defensively and contributed as a passer, which the Knicks sorely needed.

Ntilikina might not receive starting minutes, as Mudiay delivered 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists, but he needs as much playing time possible, especially without anything to lose this deep into the season. Plus, Smith’s injury continues to keep him out, so why not give 25-30 minutes per night for the next two-plus weeks?

Mitchell Robinson was the other notable young player to perform. His 16 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks happened in just 22 minutes. He fouled four times, but sequences as salivating as this make it acceptable:

  • Kevin Knox had a cool 19 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block. It came on just 6-for-16 shooting, but half of his makes were from behind the arc.
  • Outside of Robinson’s night, no other player off the pine crossed five points.
  • The Knicks shot 37.1 percent and 28.1 percent on three-pointers. Denver’s 15 outside shots and 16 free throws pushed them forward.
  • Nine games remain.
  • The Knicks will own the NBA’s worst record, at 14-59. The franchise record is 65 lost, which was set in 2014-15 — the only time they ever lost 60-plus games in a season. Barring a miraculous run to end the year, they will reach that mark and could set the franchise mark. For perspective, they have just one 50-win season since 1999-00 and no 60-win seasons since 1992-93.

Next. 25 greatest players in NYK history. dark

The New York Knicks will return to the court on Sunday, March 24, against the Los Angeles Clippers. Game time is at Noon ET.

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