Knicks Fall On The Road In D.C.
A trip to the nation’s Capitol provided the New York Knicks with an opportunity to extend the Washington Wizards early season slide.
Still learning and still with much to improve upon, the New York Knicks couldn’t make it two-in-a-row away from home.
The Washington Wizards sent the New York Knicks back to the drawing board with a 108-95 victory at Capitol One Arena.
John Wall led the charge for the slumping Washington Wizards with 26 points, seven assists and five steals as the Wizards snapped their five-game losing streak.
His All-Star backcourt mate Bradley Beal would add 22 points, eight rebounds and three assists as the Wizards duo thrived versus New York.
Wall guided the Wizards with dazzling defense and finishing ability at the rim as the Knicks were left scrambling to keep up with the five-time All-Star.
Washington started strong and finished strong in this one as they stifled the Knicks offense to begin and end the game.
The Wizards made amends for an embarrassing showing on Friday night vs the Oklahoma City Thunder when they lost 134-111 at home.
Enes Kanter scored a team-high 18 points while grabbing 12 rebounds off the bench as he was one of the lone bright spots on the night.
Finishing the fourth quarter continued to be a issue permeating the New York Knicks on Sunday evening as they went into the tank over the final six minutes of the game.
After a basket by Allonzo Trier at the 5:56 mark of the fourth quarter to slice Washington’s advantage to four, the Knicks would fall apart as Washington built a 11-point lead in less than two minutes.
It was a frustrating game for New York, who repeatedly sent the Washington Wizards to the free throw line as they shot 39 free throws compared to only 16 for themselves as they fell to 3-7 this season.
The free throw disparity was not lost on David Fizdale, who was in the referees ears on several calls during the game.
Free throws or not, the New York Knicks have to start getting more scoring production out of Frank Ntilikina, who continues to struggle with his shot as he scored only six points on Sunday.
The Knicks also won’t win many games turning the ball over 20 times, as they did in this one.
Tim Hardaway Jr. had a quiet night with 10 points, but he’s a player you trust to bounce back as he came in averaging 25.1 PPG.
The New York Knicks will look to get back on a winning track when they host the Chicago Bulls on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.
What are your takeaways from the Knicks latest loss? Leave your comments below!