New York Knicks Tank Is Real With Second Straight Loss To Brooklyn Nets
The New York Knicks got back on the tanking trail Thursday night losing to the Brooklyn Nets again.
The New York Knicks playoff chances have basically been exhausted. With a record of 27-41 heading into Thursday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, there is little more than draft positioning to play for. It is tough for fans to get behind losing, but it looks like the Knicks organization has accepted the fact that the more losses they have to finish the season, the better.
On Thursday, the Knicks lost for the second time in less than a week to the lowly Brooklyn Nets. On Sunday the Nets snapped a lengthy losing streak, ending their 16-game home losing streak. On Thursday, they snapped yet another streak at the expense of the Knicks.
The Nets had a ridiculously long 33-game losing streak on the road against Eastern Conference opponents. They hadn’t defeated an Eastern Conference team away from the Barclays Center since January 2nd, 2016, when they defeated the Boston Celtics.
Nets snapped 33-game road losing streak to Eastern Conference teams
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 17, 2017
Longest since Nets had 33-gamer (1989-91)
via @EliasSports
Nets snapped a 33-game road losing streak to East teams tonight. It was their 1st conference road win since 1/2/2016, per ESPN Stats & Info
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) March 17, 2017
On Thursday, like most of the season before that, the problem for the Knicks was on defense. The Nets shot a strong 48.2 percent from the field. They made 10 three-pointers on the night but made a living at the foul line.
More from New York Knicks
- New York Knicks Fall to Eighth After NBA Draft Lottery
- New York Knicks: Players to Draft in Worst-Case Lottery Scenario
- New York Knicks: Three Players Who Should Thrive Under Tom Thibodeau
- Is Devin Booker to the New York Knicks Realistic?
- New York Knicks: Tom Thibodeau Officially Hired as Head Coach
The Knicks committed 26 fouls in the game, leading to 35 free throw attempts for Brooklyn. The Nets were efficient at the line, making 29-of-35. The Knicks struggled to slow down the Nets at all without Kristaps Porzingis helping protect the rim. Porzingis was sitting out because of a thigh contusion suffered against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night.
The Nets took full advantage of Porzingis being out. Brook Lopez scored a game-high 24 points, making 9-of-17 from the field. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson also had a strong game, scoring 20 points. Really anyone that stepped on the court for the Nets had a good night offensively, as every player who checked into the game scored at least six points.
Carmelo Anthony struggled with his shot for the Knicks tonight. He made only 6-of-18, missing all six of his three-point attempts for 17 points. Kyle O’Quinn led the way for New York, scoring 23 points off the bench. He shot 10-of-15 from the field, collecting eight rebounds as well. He also added three assists, one steal, and one block.
In addition to O’Quinn, the Knicks got a very good performance from Lance Thomas. Since getting healthy, Thomas has been an excellent producer for the Knicks. Tonight he registered a double-double filling in for Porzingis at power forward, scoring 15 points with 10 rebounds.
Next: New York Knicks 30 Greatest Players Of All-Time
Unfortunately, O’Quinn and Thomas’ efforts went for naught against the Nets. The Knicks will be back on the court Monday night when they begin their road trip against the Los Angeles Clippers.