Suns get Second Road Victory against the Knicks

Dec 17, 2018; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Noah Vonleh (32) loses the ball to Phoenix Suns guard De'Anthony Melton (14) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The Knicks came into their second game on a back-to-back looking for a win at home.  They hosted one of the league’s worst teams on the road, the Phoenix Suns.  Coming into the game, the Suns only had one victory away from home.  Once that stat came over the television, I knew we were in trouble.

First off, the Knicks tossed up yet another stinker this past Sunday at Indiana.  To be honest, it might have been the most boring Knicks game thus far this season.  The Pacers were able to control the entire game with their defense shutting down the Knicks in all areas of the game.  The game was ultimately a big yawn and the Knicks fell 110-99.

Last night at home against the Suns, the Knicks came out better, kinda.  Recently, the Knicks have been starting games on the wrong foot, very sluggish.  It appeared last night started that way again until the young guns started grooving in the first quarter.  The game turned in the Knicks favor with Deandre Ayton sat down in the first quarter for a breather.

The youngsters for the Knicks then took over in the first half and it all started with Emmanuel Mudiay.  Mudiay, who led the Knicks with 32 points, seems to be playing with a lot more confidence these days and is settling in as the number one point guard.  He was oozing with confidence and it was seen with his all-around play.  Frank Ntilikina had a strong showing off the bench knocking down back-to-back threes and also had a beautiful hook shot in the paint as the shot clock ran out.  Kevin Knox continues to progress as a player with the Knicks, despite shooting 50% from the floor last night.

The Knicks were able to move the ball last night with a young lineup and make open shots.  However, it was their defense that was not up to par, yet again.  the interior defense and switching players has been the Knicks Achilles heel for I don’t know how long.  Players, not just on the Suns, but any team seem to get to the bucket with ease and the Knicks just stand out looking with “ah shucks” look on their faces.

Last season, the Knicks always seem to come out flat in the third quarter.  We did not really see that as much this season, but we say a glimpse of it last night.  The Suns came out firing and out scored the Knicks 41-17.  The Knicks didn’t seem to have an answer for Devin Booker, who tied his seaosn high with 38 points.

Even without the services of Tim Hardaway Jr, out with a sore right heel,  Allonzo Trier for the fourth straight game with a strained left hamstring and  Mitchell Robinson, sprained left ankle, the Knicks always play down to their opponent.  They play the best teams tight and the worst teams lackadaisical.  This game was certainly a shaking my head game.  The only positive is the Knicks improved their draft position.