Recaps
Knicks’ Tank-placements Show Competency, Then Falter to Grizzlies in Memphis, 101–88
Ndour shined in moments and the Knicks–minus ‘Melo, Rose, Porzingis, Noah, and Thomas–hung around until the end in the L
Written by Matt Spendley
The Knicks dropped their 50th game of the season on Friday night, losing to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Trailing by six after one quarter, the depleted Knicks went into the locker room down the same amount. They decided, for some god forsaken reason, that they wanted to win this one after coming out for the second half, gaining a two point lead going into the fourth. Luckily, the Grizz took care of business and buried the Knicks during the last quarter en route to a victory.
A few thoughts:
- The Knicks started Ron Baker, Courtney Lee, Justin Holiday, Maurice Ndour, and Willy Hernangómez. Only two games left, folks. We’re almost done.
- Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis, and Lance Thomas missed the game tonight, in addition to the dynamic duo of Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. ‘Melo and KP should absolutely not be playing in either of the last two games.
- What are the odds that Carmelo Anthony is a Knick at the beginning of next year? Is it under 50 percent? I’m thinking it is.
- Mike Conley had 14 points in the first quarter and 21 by the half, finishing with 31. Thus continues the trend of opposing point guards cooking up the Kazoos. Zach Lowe wrote a piece a few weeks ago in which he refused to say “Knicks” because they are associated with awfulness and only referred to the as the “Kazoos.” Amen, Zach. Kazoos it is, folks.
- The Grizzles shot 50.7 percent from the floor, tacking on 15 threes at 55.6 percent clip. The three-point defense has been an issue, and the Grizzlies took advantage. (The Grizzlies of all teams!)
- Credit the Knicks for sticking around all game. With a lineup completely devoid of talent, they managed to hang with the Grizzlies for most of the first half. The third quarter explosion was great but also awful at the same time. Such is life as a tanking team. Can this year end now please?
Miscellaneous Stats
- Maurice Ndour: 15 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks
- Willy Hernangómez: 11 points, 10 boards, three assists, and two steals
- Justin Holiday (re-sign him, please): 12 points, three steals
- Courtney Lee: 13 points, three assists
With the season nearly over, the Knicks will get the Raptors and the Sixers at home. Odds are that the Knicks will not move from their current position, with the Sixers and Magic two wins behind and the Kings and Timberwolves already at 31 wins. That would leave the Knicks with the sixth worst record in the league, exactly where I predicted them to finish. *pats self on back.*
The Knicks will play their first of their last two games on Sunday, in a matinee affair against Toronto. Tip at 12pm ET.
— Matt Spendley, senior writer
Matt was away from a desktop this evening so his recap was posted via The Knicks Wall’s Medium avatar.
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