The Knicks had them on the ropes.
It was an sudden flip of occasions at MSG for the reason that opponent, the Bucks, are the elite of the Eastern Conference and a official title contender. But the scrappy Knicks had the sting late Wednesday with Giannis Antetokounmpo fouled out and a number of alternatives to take the lead.
But they blew it.
The Knicks missed two important free throws within the ultimate minute, and Grayson Allen buried the largest shot of the evening — a 3-pointer with 30 seconds remaining to interrupt the tie — permitting the Bucks to flee with a 109-103 victory.
Antetokounmpo was dominant with 37 factors, seven assists and 13 rebounds, however he dedicated his sixth foul with one minute remaining and the Bucks main by two.
Jalen Brunson, who has been nice for the Knicks general however is struggling in clutch moments, then missed a free throw that might’ve given the Knicks a lead with 48 seconds left.
RJ Barrett additionally missed a possible tying trey within the ultimate 30 seconds. The clutch bucket by no means arrived and the Knicks (10-12), who hung round longer than anticipated, left with one more defeat in opposition to a superior opponent.
Robinson dominated the glass with 20 rebounds — together with 11 offensive — and Barrett was environment friendly till the fourth quarter. But they have been once more lacking the nearer, identical to Sunday’s house defeat to the Grizzlies.
It was a tough begin Wednesday for Brunson, who landed awkwardly on the opening possession and retreated to the locker room. Brunson re-emerged later within the first quarter however by no means discovered a rhythm, even earlier than lacking the pivotal free throw. He entered the evening taking pictures 90% from the road however missed three of his 4 makes an attempt Wednesday.
The Knicks have been taking part in on the second evening of a back-to-back after touring Tuesday evening from Detroit. They’ve fallen to each official star they’ve confronted this season — Ja Morant (twice), Giannis Antetokounmpo (twice), Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (break up two video games), Devin Booker and Steph Curry.
The Knicks are lacking that star piece, which, two years in the past, led Thibodeau to his most candid feedback as New York’s coach. Thibodeau stated touchdown a star was “critical” and the Knicks should be “aggressive,” which got here throughout as a critique of a entrance workplace that simply completed a conservative-free offseason.
Fast ahead to 2022 and the Knicks nonetheless don’t have a star however Thibodeau realized to bop round any subjects which are controversial.
“How do you get [stars]? Obviously there’s a lot of different paths to get them,” Thibodeau stated Wednesday. “Where Giannis is now is not where Giannis was as a rookie. He’s made himself into that. They’ve done a great job developing him and putting the right players around him as well. So whatever opportunities you do get you obviously look at your own team first and try to develop the players that you have. And you look at free agency, you look at trade possibilities. But you’re always looking to add what your team needs to improve.”
Thibodeau then pivoted to his present roster.
“I like the young guys we do have. I’m looking at what Jalen has done in the fourth quarter. He’s one of the top players in the fourth quarter,” the coach stated. “Julius has had big moments for us. RJ has had big moments. So you look at the players you have and you want them to improve. Hopefully they can get there.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com