New York Knicks: Grades and reactions from disappointing loss to Nuggets

Despite a comeback, the New York Knicks fell to the Denver Nuggets in the final game of this road trip.

For a few minutes in the fourth quarter, you almost believed the New York Knicks would actually win three in a row and defeat the Denver Nuggets. After taking the lead by five points, the Knicks ran out of steam and lost to the Nuggets, 105-111.

The Knicks’ first-half play was terrible. There was no defense, hardly any offense. They couldn’t protect the rim defensively or offensively. The Nuggets’ defense was stifling and by halftime, they were leading by 15.

The one bright spot of the first half was Frank Ntilikina. With 12 points in 12 minutes, the Frenchman was all over the floor. He had suffered offensively in the previous games but looks as though that is behind him.

If these grades were based on the first half, they would have been dismal, but the grit and fight the team showed in the second half should make Knicks’ fans very hopeful for this team. The Knicks’ usual third-quarter blues were nowhere to be seen as they outscored the Nuggets 33-20, coming back from a 16 point deficit.

Sorry, Ntilikina haters, you will be disappointed tonight. He had an absolutely great game from start to finish. In 23 minutes Ntilikina had 13 points on 67 percent shooting, including two 3-pointers from outside. He also had five rebounds, four assists, and four steals.

Not his greatest night but not his worst, either. In 36 minutes, the Knicks’ power forward scored 20 points had nine rebounds and just one turnover. In the second half Randle was successful in the paint, scoring 11 of his points.

Morris came alive in the third quarter ending the night with 22 points, and five rebounds.  He was one of the biggest contributors to the Knicks’ second-half comeback that brought their deficit to within three points.

The guards are the only things that stood between them and another 37-point loss. In 25 minutes, Elfrid Payton had 10 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists. He directed the floor with precision once again, helping his team get back into and stay in the game.

There hasn’t been too much to grade with Knox, but in the last two or three games, his defensive prowess has emerged. Knox is using his body more effectively when going into the paint. In 22 minutes he contributed 10 points on 5-for-8 shooting with four rebounds.

The guys are beginning to gel on the floor. There is a new sense of urgency. No longer are they the beleaguered Knicks who fall completely apart in the third quarter.  They seem renewed. This is the best I’ve seen the team all season.

Other takeaways

• The Knicks’ two centers combined for 14 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. The team needs for each of their centers to be pulling down these numbers to be truly successful.
• Nikola Jokic led the way for Denver with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
• Dennis Smith, Jr. did not play due to coach’s decision.
• Wayne Ellington and Allonzo Trier out due to injury.

This was the end of the New York Knicks’ west coast road trip. They will return home on Tuesday, Dec. 17 to face the Atlanta Hawks.