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New York Knicks: Grades and reactions from tough loss to 76ers

By Teresa Powe

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball against the New York Knicks on November 20, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball against the New York Knicks on November 20, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks blew a 17-point lead to the Philadelphia 76ers resulting in a loss.

The New York Knicks were at one point in the third quarter ahead by 17 points, only to lose the lead in the fourth to the Philadelphia 76ers. It resulted in a 109-105 defeat.

This was a game of runs. Unfortunately, the Sixers had a few more than the Knicks. The first run was in the first quarter when the Knicks got into early foul trouble. The team had five fouls in the first five minutes, of which Taj Gibson and Mitchell Robinson had two each.

The best run was the Knicks’ in the third quarter and was based on defense, causing Sixer turnovers and some good offense. The Philadelphia 76ers did not score a basket until Al Horford scored at the 6:19 mark. After a 13-0 run, the Knicks had an 11-point lead. That lead would extend to 17 and then with 1:27 left in the quarter, Frank Ntilikina came out for a rest. The Knicks’ perimeter defense fell apart allowing the Sixers to go on a 7-0 run and come to within eight.

Ben Simmons‘ defense in the third and fourth quarters, a little unsuccessful hero ball from Morris combined with Ntilikina sitting on the bench, some bad shots and the Knicks come close to a win, but again, they could not close:

SG. New York Knicks. RJ BARRETT. C-.

After 35 minutes of play, RJ Barrett had eight points on four of 12 shooting from the field, seven rebounds, three assists, one block, two steals, four turnovers, and three personal fouls. Although the young rookie is struggling offensively right now, his rebounding is priceless for this team that most times lack under the boards.

B-. . PF. New York Knicks. JULIUS RANDLE

The hero of the Cleveland “revenge” win was not present during Wednesday’s game. After 35 minutes of play, Randle had 17 points on 5 of 13 from the field, two of four from three, five of eight from the free-throw line with two assists. He also contributed eight rebounds and three steals. He still has to work on turnovers (two) personal fouls (four).

. SF. New York Knicks. MARCUS MORRIS, SR.. B

You could tell that Morris, Sr. wanted this win in front of his hometown crowd. In forty minutes he had a double-double which included 22 points on eight of 21 field goals, four of seven from outside, and two of two from the free-throw line. Thirteen rebounds, two steals, fouls which included five personals,  a flagrant one, and a technical (double with Embiid).

In the fourth quarter, he tried some hero-ball in a desperate attempt to salvage the game, but to no avail.

B. . C. New York Knicks. TAJ GIBSON

Taj Gibson again started at center for the Knicks. Generally, it’s Mitchell Robinson that is graded, but during Wednesday’s game, I was impressed by Gibson’s on-court leadership as he started the team on their way to that 13 point run. Gibson is always a leader on the floor, calming a young one down after a turnover or missed free throw. On Wednesday, after 13 minutes, he scored 11 points on three of six shooting, including one of one from outside. He had a +7 on the night.

A. . PG. New York Knicks. FRANK NTILIKINA

Any other Knicks point guard has to will have to live up to Frank Ntilikina’s play at the opposite end of the court. He is the Knicks’ defensive weapon. Many complained of his lack of offense. On Wednesday night, during 32 minutes of play, he scored 17 points on six of eight from the field, two of four from outside, five of eight from the free-throw line.

Ntilikina sat out only 16 minutes of the game, but a costly 16 minutes. Someone has to be able to step up and maintain the perimeter defense when he is out of the game. He was brought out to rest after a great third quarter. It’s what happened during the last seconds of the Hornets game, as Ntilikina was left to defend two perimeter shooters.

Other Takeaways

  • A minor incident with Joel Embiid and Marcus Morris, Sr. left both with a technical. Morris had a flagrant one in addition to his technical. This lead to a Sixer 16-4 run.
  • Kevin Knox had three points, two rebounds, and two assists. He was a +7 on the night.
  • Mitchell Robinson was spotted limping at one point during the game. He played only 13 minutes and had four points, two rebounds, and three blocks.
  • Dennis Smith, Jr. played 15 minutes had 12 points, including two of three from outside and two assists.
  • Bobby Portis had seven points and two rebounds.
  • Damyean Dotson contributed two points and three rebounds.

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The New York Knicks return home to face the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, Nov. 23.

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