Knicks Suffer Disheartening Loss as Playoffs Approach
CHARLOTTE — The Knicks are at a critical juncture as they prepare for the playoffs, having just suffered a dispiriting first-round knockout against the struggling Hornets on Thursday night.
Tom Thibodeau’s team faced a tough evening, being overwhelmingly defeated by the Hornets, who secured a 115-98 win despite having only 18 victories this season. “The way we’re losing games is embarrassing,” remarked Josh Hart after the game.
Hart, who struggled offensively, took only eight shots and appeared emotionally affected by the defeat. He didn’t shy away from addressing the team’s issues, stating, “We have to bring more energy and effort. We’ve got to pick it up.” He pointed out that their lack of defensive aggression and poor communication contributed to significant rebounding issues.
While Hart acknowledged his own shortcomings, the bench’s performance was a notable concern, as they were outscored 37-11 by Charlotte’s second unit. New York’s reserves failed to score until the fourth quarter and collectively shot poorly from the field.
The Knicks (43-26) have struggled since Jalen Brunson’s injury, and on this night, they were outperformed for most of the game, trailing by double digits in the final quarter. They shot 40% overall, including a dismal 25.6% from three-point range, leaving the visiting fans with little to cheer about.
The Hornets (18-51) were boosted by key players like LaMelo Ball, who scored 25 points. As the Knicks await Brunson’s potential return, they must focus on improving their performance now, as they slip further behind. “We can’t worry about Brunson coming back. We must get better now,” said teammate Karl-Anthony Towns, emphasizing the need for daily improvement as the team looks ahead to their next game against the Wizards.
With a tough stretch of games behind them, the Knicks must regain their form quickly to avoid facing further humiliation. Hart summed it up: “If we don’t come right, we’re going to get embarrassed again.”
