The New York Knicks difficult four-game West Coast trip has come to an end. The Knicks finished 2-2, but should have been 3-1 as they fell to the Nuggets, 111-105.
The Knicks came back from 16-points to take the lead in the 3rd quarter. This was their first lead in the game since being up 8-6. The 3rd quarter is usually when the Knicks crumble, but it was them taking control of the game this time. They outscored the Nuggets 33-20, putting themselves in position to win. However, they always fall back into isolation basketball at the end. It was an encouraging lose for the Knicks as they might have not of came back under David Fizdale.
Since taking over the Knicks, Mike Miller has them playing with more energy and a better offensive scheme. But they still had trouble closing out the game once taking the lead. Before that, they were playing like a team with good ball movement and pushing the pace in transition.
However in the 4th quarter, the Knicks reverted back to their old ways were it was more isolation than offensive plays.
Despite the loss, the Knicks have looked like a much better team under Miller. The Nuggets are one of the top teams in the West and the Knicks battled. If they were able to find to play more as a team down the stretch they could have came away with a win.
The trip was a success for the New York Knicks as they look more like a team under Miller. Their next game is Tuesday against the Hawks in a very winnable game. The Hawks have had their fair share of problems recently with team chemistry and the Knicks chemistry is improving. So, the Knicks have a good chance to get another win in trying to turn their season around.