New York Knicks Comeback Falls Short vs. Los Angeles Clippers

The New York Knicks put up a valiant effort against the Los Angeles Clippers Friday night, but ultimately fell short at the Staples Center.

The New York Knicks got off to a fast start against the Los Angeles Clippers, holding an early lead in the game. But, a 12-0 run by the Clippers gave them control, which they would hold onto throughout the rest of the game. The Knicks never gave up though, as they fought to the very end of the game. Unfortunately, their comeback bid fell short, as they eventually would drop the game 101-94.

The Knicks were down by as many as 15 in the second half, and trailed by 11 going into halftime, but they kept at it and eventually tied the game. They looked like they had taken the lead at one point, but what looked like a three-pointer by Sasha Vujacic was ruled a two-point shot. It tied the game, but that is as close as the Knicks would get as the Clippers responded with a quick 5-0 run to regain control.

Despite taking the loss, it was an encouraging performance on a number of levels for the Knicks. Kristaps Porzingis put together one of the his better games in recent weeks, and his best one with Kurt Rambis as head coach. Despite getting into some foul trouble in the first half, Porzingis came out with a bang in the second half.

More from Empire Writes Back

• Caesars New York Promo Code: Win $250 Bonus GUARANTEED on ANY Bet!
• Last Chance Caesars Promo: Claim $1,250 Bonus for ANY MLB Bet!
• Caesars New York Promo Code Gives TWO Chances to Win Betting on Your Yankees!
• PointsBet New York Promo: FIVE $100 Bonus Bets to Back the Yankees or Mets!
• Caesars NY Promo: $1,250 Bonus to Celebrate the Return of Judge!

He scored 12 of his 23 points in the third quarter to help the Knicks chip away at the Clippers lead. He struggled from the field once again, making only 6-of-17, but the aggression is what you like to see. He was attacking the Clippers relentlessly at the rim, as their big men struggled to keep up with him. Unfortunately, he was not able to finish at the rim, as he looked like he may have been fouled a handful of times but also just missed shots around the basket a couple of times.

But, his aggression was rewarded sometimes, as he made 10-of-11 from the foul line. He has attempted 20 free throws in his last two games. Tonight he also added four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.

In addition to Porzingis, the Knicks had two other starters go for at least 20 points in Carmelo Anthony and Robin Lopez, who each scored 20. It was another efficient night for Anthony, who made 8-of-16 from the field to go with six rebounds, four assists and one steal. He was quite in the second half though, as Jeff Green played some solid defense against Anthony.

Lopez had arguably the best game not only of his Knicks tenure, but his career overall tonight against the Clippers. Despite a tough matchup against DeAndre Jordan, Lopez had his way on the inside. In addition to the 20 points, Lopez pulled down a career-high 19 rebounds, 10 of which were of the offensive variety. He added two assists, one steal and one block while also changing a number of the Clippers’ shots at the rim.

Defensively though for the Knicks it was the same problems that have plagued them throughout the season. They struggled slowing down the opposing guard on the perimeter, as Chris Paul scored a game-high 24 points in an array of ways, also handing out 15 assists. J.J. Redick added 20, as the Clippers whole starting lineup scored in double-figures.

More ny sports: Who is the greatest PG in franchise history?

The Knicks will not have to travel far for the next game on their road trip, as they will not even have to leave Los Angeles; they will be playing at the Staples Center again Sunday when they face off with the Los Angeles Lakers. It will be Kobe Bryant‘s last game against the Knicks in his career.