The Knicks have lost three games in a row, including back to back losses to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Knicks may have also lost Jalen Brunson when he took himself out of the game in the second half to what appears to be a hip injury.
Joel Embid, James Harden and the zone defense were too much for the Knicks to handle on Christmas day in Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks were about to go into halftime with a six point lead until the 76ers picked up a loose ball and hit a half court shot with seconds remaining to lessen the Knicks lead by three.
We didn't know it then, but that shot was an omen.
In the 4th quarter, James Harden began to put on a show right when Brunson began grabbing at his right hip.
Harden's monster 4th quarter dog walked the Knicks as they ran out of gas and Philly went on to win on Christmas day.
Today, the Knicks starting point guard, Alec Burks, had as many assists as I did. Zero.
Again, in the fourth quarter the Knicks fell apart because there was no one running the ship. I was hoping that Raymond Felton would run out of the stands in his t-shirt, gut and all.
At least Raymond would demand that players are in position and running the sets that the coach knows give the team the best chance to win.
Despite being under powered facing a team with Joel Embiid and James Harden the Knicks kept the game close for three quarters.
But hasn't that been the memo of this team all season?
They have to lead the league in close but no cigar games in the NBA this season.
When will this coach learn that in the fourth quarter Julius Randle is reckless at handling the ball and inefficient from the field?
RJ Barrett was not accurate from the three-point line, but the fourth quarter would be a perfect time to run a two-man game with RJ and a solid point for easy buckets at the rim and mid-range shots.
Julius Randle should be a threat in the paint in the fourth quarter even if it means playing him at center if it forces him to get his rear end in the paint and not thinking about beating guys off the dribble or shooting terrible jump shots.
I mean for goodness' sake the Knicks can't bring up Jordan Allen or Kenneth Savage from the G league to give them a look? Either one would be better than Alec Burks who started at point guard this afternoon and had zero assists.
Yes, it has gotten that bad with Kemba gone and D Rose injured.
Are the Knicks tanking? I have a feeling they are.
If tanking will get them a point guard high in the next draft and a good chance for the morbidly obese Zion Williamson, then this might be the best strategic move they made all season.
