Post Game Reaction: Hawks 102 Knicks 98
The New York Knicks lose another game as they drop their second one in a row as the Hawks beat the Knicks 102-98. This was a very sloppy game and the Knicks had many chances to win this one but ended up coming up short. Here a few of my observations.
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Sloppy Game. The two teams shot below 38% from the field, each missing at least 38 shots each. Both teams made 7-27 from the three-point line. The two teams also combined for 33 turnovers and were very stagnant for most of the game. The Knicks really missed Melo's scoring ability and the Hawks looked like a team that has been struggling as they had lost their last 3 and 6 of the past 8 games. It was a terrible game to watch as neither team could make shots or get into any rhythm.
Melo Ejected. Add another ejection for Melo. That is 10 for him in his career, more than the combination of LeBron, Wade and Bosh. This was a bad one as he clearly takes a cheap shot at Thabo. Not sure what caused for the swing by Melo but he clearly intended to hit Thabo. That ejection also cost the Knicks as they struggled to score after that. Melo needs to do better as the Knicks cannot survive without him.
Melo got ejected tonight for hitting Thabo Sefolosha. https://t.co/kDZg95XX42
— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) December 29, 2016
Noah, Porzingis and Rose carry the load. The Knicks were led by the trio of Rose, Porzingis and Noah. Rose led the way with 26pts 7rebs and 6 assists, while Porzingis added 24pts 8rebs and Noah had one of his best games with 14pts 16rebs. The three almost pulled out the win. Porzingis had a chance to tie the game in OT but missed the first free throw of 3, with them down 3 points. The Knicks really lack depth as the team did not get much help from others as they heavily relied on Rose and Porzingis to carry them.
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Bench a no-show. In a game where the Knicks were already without Lee and then losing Melo, they needed a better effort from the bench. Jennings played 28 minutes and only scored 2pts with 3asts. Holiday may have finished with 14pts in 34 minutes but really struggled with his shot, making only 5 of 12. The trio of O'Quinn, Hernangomez and Lance Thomas were very poor as they provided very little impact when they were on the court.
Knicks struggled to contain Schroder or Howard. The Hawks were led by Schroder's 27 pts and Howard's 16pts and 22rebs. The Knicks had no answer for either. Howard crushed the Knicks on the board with 7 offensive rebounds and was a true presence in the middle. While Schroder was hitting jump-shots off of pick and rolls and drove it right down the Knicks throat. The Knicks lack of perimeter defense has been an issue as opposing point guards have been able to get into the paint with ease.
The Knicks lose a tough one despite losing Melo in the first half. The effort was there but the offensive cohesion was a problem. The Knicks cannot afford these kinds of screw-ups as they try to make the playoffs.
