Since suffering a heavy defeat to the Celtics on Opening Night, the revamped Knicks have demonstrated improved cohesion, yet they have managed only a split in their subsequent two matchups against teams that recently competed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
On Monday night, the Knicks squandered a 13-point lead in the third quarter, ultimately falling to Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers by a score of 110-104 at Madison Square Garden, marking their second loss in three games this season.
“It was a strange game from start to finish, honestly. It felt like a grind,” Jalen Brunson remarked afterwards. “[We] held a 13-point lead but allowed it to slip away.”
“There’s no excuse for that. We need to play our best basketball in the fourth quarter, and we didn’t manage to do that tonight.”
During the first half against the Cavaliers, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) watches the action unfold at Madison Square Garden on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Brunson seemed to recover from a third-quarter injury scare, although concerns lingered about Josh Hart, who exited the game limping as it drew to a close.
Hart, who had been listed as questionable due to an ankle problem, scored 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds before leaving for the locker room following a mid-court clash with Cleveland’s Caris LeVert.
“It’s tough to see anyone not finish the game, especially when you want your teammates out there competing with you,” Brunson remarked regarding Hart. “We’ll have to wait and see what the situation is moving forward.”
Brunson himself limped off after taking a floater late in the third quarter but quickly returned before the period concluded and re-entered early in the fourth. He finished with a team-leading 21 points, albeit on 8-of-24 shooting, along with six assists.
Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) maneuvers around Cavaliers forward Georges Niang (20) during the first half at Madison Square Garden on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
“I just got hit; that’s all. I’m good,” Brunson said before commenting on Hart’s situation.
Darius Garland scored 15 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter, while Mitchell contributed 24 to maintain the Cavaliers’ unbeaten streak at 4-0.
Mikal Bridges added 19 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns registered 13 points (on just eight attempts) along with 11 rebounds for the Knicks, who will face the Heat in Miami on Wednesday.
Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) is closely guarded by Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) in the first half at Madison Square Garden on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
“We missed some shots and allowed too many easy baskets in transition, which cost us,” Tom Thibodeau said, noting that his team attempted only 28 three-pointers and converted just nine. “We need to create more opportunities.”
Beginning the game with a rough start, the Knicks missed their first seven three-point attempts and fell behind by nine in the first quarter. However, Cam Payne and Towns hit shots from beyond the arc in the last 2:07, closing the gap to 22-18 by the end of the quarter.
Early in the second quarter, Payne knocked down another three, narrowing the deficit to one. A 9-0 run, capped off by a three-pointer and an inside basket from Hart, gave the Knicks a 36-31 lead midway through the quarter.
A dunk by Bridges and a free throw from Brunson pushed the Knicks’ biggest lead of the half to 10, but the Cavaliers responded to bring the score to 52-45 at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Knicks built a 13-point lead thanks to a three-pointer from Anunoby with 4:29 left, but Garland’s consecutive baskets initiated a 13-2 run that brought the Cavaliers within 74-72 as the period drew to a close.
The Cavaliers leveled the score in the fourth quarter’s opening minute on inside baskets by Evan Mobley and Mitchell, prompting Thibodeau to call a timeout.
Emerging from the break, Brunson returned to the court, but back-to-back three-pointers from Georges Niang and Mitchell put the Cavaliers ahead 84-80 with 9:50 remaining.
Hart quickly redressed the balance for the Knicks with two free throws after a hard foul from Niang, then he recorded a steal and assisted McBride for a layup, re-tying the game.
However, Garland hit two additional three-pointers, while Knicks rookie Ariel Hukporti was called for an offensive foul on a potential dunk, giving Cleveland a 99-91 lead with just 3:51 left. Brunson managed to score five points to narrow the gap to three at the 1:41 mark, but they couldn’t close in any further.
“They possess size at the rim, which is a challenge. I want to review the film, but my impression is they were quite physical. I expect that to be the norm this year,” Thibodeau stated. “We simply need to concentrate on making our shots or executing our plays.”
Knicks Fall Short Against Cavaliers, Struggle to Close Games in Early Season Test
Game Overview: Knicks vs. Cavaliers
The New York Knicks faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a highly anticipated matchup, yet the game ended in disappointment for Knicks fans as they fell short in the closing minutes. Despite a strong start, the Knicks struggled to maintain their momentum and ultimately lost the game 110-106. This early-season contest highlighted several issues that the Knicks need to address if they hope to compete effectively in the tightly contested Eastern Conference.
Key Highlights from the Game
- Strong First Half: The Knicks demonstrated a solid performance in the first half, leading by as many as 12 points.
- Second Half Struggles: A lack of scoring in the third quarter allowed the Cavaliers to take control.
- Closing Minutes: Key turnovers, missed free throws, and poor shot selection hindered the Knicks’ ability to close out the game.
Statistical Breakdown
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julius Randle | 24 | 10 | 5 |
| RJ Barrett | 20 | 5 | 4 |
| Jalen Brunson | 18 | 3 | 7 |
| Donovan Mitchell (Cavs) | 30 | 4 | 6 |
| Darius Garland (Cavs) | 22 | 6 | 8 |
Analysis of the Knicks’ Performance
The Knicks showcased flashes of brilliance, particularly from their star players. However, their ability to execute in critical moments remains a significant concern:
Lack of Offensive Consistency
The Knicks’ offense sputtered in the second half. After scoring 60 points in the first half, they managed only 46 points in the second. This inconsistency in scoring can be attributed to a few key factors:
– **Settling for Jump Shots:** The Knicks often relied on jump shots instead of attacking the basket, allowing the Cavaliers defense to adjust effectively.
- **Turnovers:** The team recorded 15 turnovers, which led to easy transition points for the Cavaliers.
Defensive Breakdowns
Defensively, the Knicks struggled to contain the Cavaliers’ perimeter shooting. Cleveland capitalized on open looks, particularly from deep, and finished the game with a three-point shooting percentage of 39%.
Free Throws Woes
The Knicks’ struggles at the charity stripe were evident, as they converted only 67% of their free throws (10 of 15). In a close game, these missed opportunities proved costly.
Struggles in Closing Games
The inability to close out games has become a recurring theme for the Knicks in the early season.
Identifying the Issues
Several factors contribute to these struggles:
– **Inexperience in High-Pressure Situations:** Many young players on the roster lack playoff experience, which can impact their performance in clutch moments.
– **Coaching Decisions:** Questions have arisen regarding the choices made by head coach Tom Thibodeau during critical stretches of the game, including substitution patterns and offensive play calls.
– **Mental Fortitude:** The mental aspect of the game is crucial. The Knicks must develop the emotional resilience to stay focused and composed during high-stakes moments.
Practical Tips for Improvement
To turn their early-season woes around, the Knicks should consider the following strategies:
– **Enhance Late-Game Execution:** The team should practice late-game scenarios in training to improve their decision-making under pressure.
– **Focus on Free Throw Shooting:** A dedicated practice routine focusing on free throws can boost their confidence and performance in crucial game situations.
– **Utilize Timeouts Effectively:** Thibodeau should maximize timeout usage to stabilize the team during scoring droughts and to regroup in high-pressure moments.
Case Study: Successful Late-Game Strategies
Examining successful teams can provide valuable insights into how the Knicks can enhance their late-game performances.
Example: Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have consistently demonstrated effective late-game strategies, including:
– **Ball Movement:** The Heat excel in sharing the ball, creating open shots even in crunch time.
– **Defensive Adjustments:** They adapt their defensive schemes based on the opponent’s strengths, making it challenging for teams to score late in games.
– **Veteran Leadership:** Experienced players like Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry guide the younger players during critical moments.
First-Hand Experience: Fans’ Perspective
Fans have expressed their thoughts on the Knicks’ recent performances, particularly regarding their struggles to close out games. Social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions:
– **Frustration:** Many fans voiced their frustration over the team’s inability to secure wins, especially against teams they believe they should beat.
– **Hope for Improvement:** Despite the setbacks, there remains an underlying hope that the team can learn from these experiences and grow as the season progresses.
Conclusion: Looking Forward
As the Knicks continue their season, it is vital for them to address their late-game woes and build on their strengths. The Eastern Conference is highly competitive, and every game counts. With dedication and adjustments, the Knicks can turn their season around and become a formidable contender.
