New York Knicks: Even in a loss, Knicks show signs of positivity

Missing Kristaps Porzingis and Enes Kanter, the New York Knicks fell to the Houston Rockets Saturday night by the score of 117-102.

New York Knicks big men Kristaps Porzingis and Enes Kanter missed Saturday night’s game against the Houston Rockets and their absence from the lineup was greatly felt.

The Knicks would fall to the Rockets 117-102 but showed heart while missing two of their top players.

Before tipoff of the uphill battle without Porzingis and Kanter, Hornacek said:

"“Just go out there and play hard. That’s what we want to do no matter who plays. Just play hard, play together. Guys who step in there and play, it’s not like we need them to fill K.P.’s 30 points and Enes’ 20 rebounds. Just play your game. Everybody has to step it up in cases like this.”"

This is the NBA. Whenever you’re missing two key players that contribute both offensively and defensively there’s going to be some tough battles especially against a team like the Houston Rockets led by James Harden and Chris Paul.

Whether win or loss, the main thing that the Knicks should reflect on is the fact that someone seems to always step up when the next man is called upon. In an 82 game season, there’s a lot of highs and lows but the key for a young team like this is to constantly focus on the highs, learn from the lows, and make strides to progress towards a bright future.

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Both Porzingis and Kanter were out Saturday night due to back injuries but Michael Beasley (30 points), Kyle O’Quinn (20 points, 15 rebounds), and Courtney Lee (17 points) showed that if these Knicks can put together well-rounded performances for 48 minutes, they can compete with the rest of the NBA.

The Knicks were able to jump out to a 22-point lead but squandered it after going cold in the second half. With Saturday night’s loss, the Knicks fall to 1-6 on the road this season but have a three-game homestretch upcoming against Portland, Miami, and Orlando. At home, the gritty New York Knicks have fared well with a 9-3 record.

Next: New York Knicks: The Brightest Stars from the Darkest Age

This team has a lot of heart. The lack of a second star will prove to be vital against deep teams like the Houston Rockets but with Porzingis and Kanter back in the fold, the outcomes of these types of games where the Knicks cruise to a big lead will be more favorable.