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Knicks’ historic meltdown vs Mavericks fully erased 8-game win streak

ByThomas Carannante|
DALLAS, TEXAS - DECEMBER 27: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots against Quentin Grimes #6 of the New York Knicks in the first half at American Airlines Center on December 27, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - DECEMBER 27: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots against Quentin Grimes #6 of the New York Knicks in the first half at American Airlines Center on December 27, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

It doesn’t matter if Jalen Brunson didn’t suit up against his former team. It doesn’t matter that RJ Barrett only played two minutes due to a finger injury. The New York Knicks, regardless of who is on the floor, cannot be blowing nine-point leads with 27 seconds remaining.

That has nothing to do with talent on the floor. It has to do with coaching, competence, awareness, and a willingness to close. Apparently, none of those facets of the game were of interest to Tom Thibodeau, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride on Tuesday night.

With a 112-103 lead over the Dallas Mavericks, the Knicks seemingly had this one in the bag. There were 27 seconds left. But 12 seconds later it was a three-point game after a Christian Wood three-pointer, Grimes turnover, Luka Doncic layup, and Quickley foul.

Then we have the missed free throws, just like what happened against the Bulls! This time it wasn’t nearly as bad, though. McBride missed the first of the four he would take in the final 11 seconds, but that one proved to be the difference (then again, the team shot 62.6% overall).

And finally, the defense/rebounding! No discipline on defense. No aggression on the boards. Allowing Spencer Dinwiddie to hit one from downtown two seconds after the Knicks made a free throw. Allowing Doncic to grab an offensive rebound (and score the game-tying bucket) after an intentionally missed free throw to force overtime.

The Knicks lost to the Mavericks in historic fashion, 126-121

Did we mention no field goals for the first four minutes and nine seconds of overtime? Quickley going 1-for-8 in the second half? Grimes somehow becoming a liability once the two-minute mark in the fourth quarter hit?

That loss to the Mavericks extended a losing streak that’s now reached four games. Last Wednesday, they allowed 52 points to Pascal Siakim in a 113-106 loss. Last Friday, they missed four straight free throws in the final 30 seconds and lost by one point to the Bulls. On Christmas Day they were taking care of business against the 76ers before melting down when the fourth quarter arrived.

From 18-13 to 18-17, just like that! All that winning streak did was prevent New York fans from losing their minds and demanding changes before the 30-game mark of the season.

Now? The Knicks are pretty much right back where they were before their impressive run. They’re one game out of the play-in tournament. Morale is at an all-time low. The same questions we were asking two weeks ago were swept under the rug, only to re-appear before 2023.

The Knicks just love allowing the best player on any given team to go off on them in embarrassing fashion. Doncic’s largest triple-double in NBA history propelled the Mavs to their victory. Twenty-five of his 60 points game in the final 17 minutes.

The problems fans always feared would doom this team simply just went dormant for a little while. They’ll remain embedded in the DNA of the Knicks until we’re proven otherwise.

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