The scourge of Knicks hitting strikes damages the chances of achieving victory
The New York Knicks lost their third straight game Saturday to the Los Angeles Clippers 106-95, a game in which the Knicks shot with terrible efficiency all over the place and was eerily reminiscent of their early season struggles.
New York shot 35.6% from the field on Saturday, its lowest since Nov. 18 against the Warriors, where they shot 34.5%. Their average of 22.6% from outside the arc is their fourth worst in a single game this season.
Six Knicks players had at least eight shots on Saturday, with the most efficient of that select group of players being Emmanuel Kwikley, who shot 44% from the field and scored 26 points in the loss.
Knicks Need Julius Randle’s Support:
All-Star Julius Randle had his worst game of the season, shooting 5-24 from the field with 19 points and receiving a technical foul late in the third quarter.
The loss sent the Knicks down to the sixth seed and one game behind in the losing column to the Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference standings.
Although Saturday’s game was a bit odd, since Jalen Brunson wasn’t available to play, it still felt like the Knicks had held back what made this team so dominant during their nine-win streak.
Saturday’s performance was an excruciating nightmare of last season as every game felt inconsistent, and this season has been one that can only be described as a roller coaster. After snapping an eight-game winning streak earlier in the season, a five-game winning streak followed. Now, after a nine-game winning streak, they’re down three straight.
Is he tired? Is it because there is no Bronson? What’s going on with this Knicks team now?
Whatever the case, things should turn around now. Fortunately for them, they’re still sitting relatively comfortably avoiding action, currently staying three games down on the struggling Miami Heat.
Still, a fifth seed is in order if the Knicks want a decent shot at winning their first playoff series in nearly a decade. Coach Tom Thibodeau said during the winning streak that he didn’t want his team to get lost in the wrong things.
As of now, the effects of this exhausting and exciting winning streak may still be in effect for this Knicks team. It’s time for the guys to step up, especially without Bronson in the offing.
The Knicks will try to get back on track when they take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Bronson’s questionable availability for the Knicks, while LeBron James has already been left out of the Lakers.
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