The New York Knicks dropped their fourth consecutive game on Tuesday night, courtesy of Steph Curry and his elite three-point shooting. The Knicks have now lost seven of their last eight games, with their most recent victory coming against the San Antonio Spurs last week.
Curry, who needed just two three-point shots to break Ray Allen’s all-time record, sniped the go-ahead basket early in the first quarter, securing the 2,974th three-point shot in his career. Of course, Madison Square Garden was a perfect place for him to break the record, on the biggest stage in basketball where they honored him with a full stoppage of play and several minutes of celebration.
Only during a Knicks home game would you see such a fantastic display for a player on the opposing team, but it was worthwhile given Curry’s illustrious career.
However, New York has once again found themselves between a rock and a hard place, attempting to break free from the chains of lackluster communication and defense efficiency. For the second straight game, the Knicks have allowed 105 points or more.
Over the past eight games, the Knicks have only held one opponent below 100 points, the Toronto Raptors, who scored 90. Unfortunately, when the Knicks’ defense is playing well, their offense flounders.
In the defeat to Golden State, the Knicks shot well from three-point range, hitting 38.1%, but connected on just 36% from the field in total, an abysmal number. Overall, they were outrebounded 49–35 and had 10 fewer assists than Golden State, who posted 28.
Unfortunately, the Knicks were without RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, and Quentin Grimes, which held them back significantly. If not for COVID-19 health and safety protocols affecting their lineup, the Knicks may have escaped with a win against one of the hottest teams in basketball. Instead, they will look ahead to the Houston Rockets on Thursday night to get back in the win column.