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New York Knicks: Grades and takeaways from comeback loss to Nets

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: DeAndre Jordan #6 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets guard RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks as he attempts a layup in the second half of their game at Barclays Center on October 25, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: DeAndre Jordan #6 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets guard RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks as he attempts a layup in the second half of their game at Barclays Center on October 25, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The “closer” situation, and not for the New York Mets

A 109-106 lead seemed to put the game in the New York Knicks’ hands. They had every chance to win down the stretch, but they succumbed to the stylings of Kyrie Irving, who iced the game for Brooklyn with multiple shots in the final minute, including a three-pointer to seal it.

Meanwhile, the Knicks struggled to enhance their lead, featuring wonky shots and bad turnovers. The Nets had an avenue to come back, and they sunk it with their own closer.

New York does not have a clear-cut finisher for the end of games, as seen with this. The second matchup of the season, with a mostly new roster, will cause this, and in a golden opportunity from a 19-point comeback, they needed one.

Julius Randle, for this night, did not prove to be that guy. He stumbled down the stretch, contributing to the Knicks’ downfall. While a productive offensive player, asking him to close games may be too much to ask.

RJ Barrett is the probable candidate for this role, but he only has two regular-season games on his resume. That, for now, is too much to ask. Perhaps, later this season, he will develop into that, with accumulated experience and comfortability playing NBA games.

Finding that guy to close games for the Knicks will help their winning causes. Only a few of them may arise this season, but having a reliable player to turn towards is necessary either way.

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