• Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

Knicks Lose 103-99 to Blazers, Drop 8th Straight

NEW YORK CITY – The Knicks would face one of their toughest opponents this season, as the Portland Trail Blazers came into town Sunday night Portland was on a 3 game winning streak and had won 13 of their last 14 games this season. The Knicks came into the contest as polar opposites. They were on a 7 game losing streak and had lost 11 of their last 12 games. New York has lost some very tough games of late. Not coming up with either key stops down the stretch, as well as timely buckets to finish games have been the common theme for the way they have lost games night in and night out.

The game was tightly contested throughout the entire game, and both teams shot the ball very well. Portland finished the game shooting 42% while the Knicks finished better by shooting 51% from the field. Both teams were doing a good job of getting penetration from their guards for quality shots at the rim, and kick outs to the open man. Portland lived on the 3 point line this game, as they attempted 28 from behind the arc, but only converted on 10. This marks another Knick opponent that was able to get double digit 3 pointers made, as well as 20+ free throw attempts (21-29). The Knicks also allowed 30 points in the paint, which seems lower than what it has been the previous couple games, but is high considering Portland was content shooting jumpers for most of the night.

Credit: Barry Holmes/Pure Sports NY ... Sunday night's contest between Portland and New York
Credit: Barry Holmes/Pure Sports NY … Sunday night’s contest between Portland and New York

Carmelo Anthony added another double double (23 points, 10 rebounds) on the season, and was a huge reason why the Knicks were able to erase an 11 point deficit in the 4th quarter. Amar’e Stoudemire added another double double (16 points, 10 rebounds), and the erratic JR Smith had a good offensive game (20 points) off the bench.

Lamarcus Aldridge torched the Knicks Sunday night. He made momentum killing baskets whenever the Knicks seemed to get within striking distance. Aldridge finished the game with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Damian Lillard also had a very good game against the Knicks. He finished with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. This is another night that an opponent has had 4 of their 5 starters in double figures. The Knicks are just a bad defensive team, and they have proved that on a weekly basis.

Credit: Barry Holmes/Pure Sports NY ... Aldridge at the free throw line Sunday night
Credit: Barry Holmes/Pure Sports NY … Aldridge at the free throw line Sunday night

There needs to be a sense of urgency in that locker room, especially considering New York’s 4-18 record is the worst start in franchise history. Phil Jackson has voiced his frustration by going as far as to say the Knicks have a “loser’s mentality.” They will start their 3 game road trip on Tuesday night in New Orleans to face the Pelicans.
Barry Holmes/Pure Sports NY

By Barry Holmes

Graduate of Millersville University, with a BS in Communications focused in Broadcast. Senior Writer & Social Media Manager for PureSportsNY.

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