NEW YORK CITY – Night in and night out, it is starting to look like the same broken record. Whether its a lack of effort on the defensive end, injuries, inability to score late or in key situations, or giving up offensive rebounds in pivotal situations, the Knicks are consistently playing losing basketball. They’re 5-31 record is a product of many problems that don’t look like they will be solved anytime soon.
Sunday night was no different as the Knicks suffered their 31st loss on the year, and 11th straight loss in a row. Milwaukee was held to just 25% shooting (4-16) from the three point line, but that seemed to be the lone bright spot for the Knicks defensively. New York was out-rebounded (48-36), allowed the Bucks to score 46 points in the paint (often times uncontested layups), and allowed Milwaukee to get to the charity stripe 27 times (77%, 21-27). The Knicks did not help their cause by committing 16 turnovers on offense, which ultimately amounted to their 95-82 demise.
The score shows a game that was not as close as it seems. The Bucks led for most of the way handily. Milwaukee was led by Brandon Knight who had 17 points and 5 assists. Zaza Pachulia (16 points, 14 rebounds) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (16 points, 12 rebounds) both added double doubles to help propel the Bucks.
Tim Hardaway led Knick scorers with 17 points and JR Smith was right behind with 15 points and also had 7 assists. Cole Aldrich has been coming on of late. He added 12 points and 7 rebounds of his own.
There’s no other way of saying that the Knicks are flat out horrible. It just doesn’t seem like they ever have a chance of winning any game that they play. If they are going to atleast have a chance to win, it starts at the defensive end. Not having Iman Shumpert does not help their cause, but can’t be used as an excuse. Regardless of the talent you put out there, the effort level should still be up to professional standards. The Knicks next opponent will be the Memphis Grizzlies (24-9) on the road Monday night.
Barry Holmes/Pure Sports NY.