Jalen Brunson, Knicks Criticized by NBA Fans with Loss to Kyrie, Mavs with Luka Out
Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IINovember 28, 2024
Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images
An ugly first half put the New York Knicks in a hole they couldn’t dig themselves out of en route to a 121-106 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday evening.
New York trailed 60-38 after shooting 26.2 percent from the field (2-of-16 from three-point range). Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges fared well (26 points on 9-of-20 shooting), but the rest of the team scored 12 points on 2-of-22 field field goals before halftime.
The Mavs coasted from there, leading by 12 or more for the entire second half. The Knicks still lost by 15 despite scoring 76 points over the final two quarters.
Brunson scored 37 points on 14-of-21 shooting (9-of-10 free throws) alongside seven assists. Karl-Anthony Towns added a 25-point, 14-rebound double-double, and Mikal Bridges added 20 points.
However, the Knicks’ defense fared poorly despite the Mavs playing without superstar Luka Dončić (sprained right wrist), Klay Thompson (left foot; plantar fascia) and Daniel Gafford (illness).
Six Mavericks scored in double digits led by Naji Marshall’s 24. Kyrie Irving added 23 points, and P.J. Washington added a 19-point, 10-rebound, seven-assist outing. Dallas shot 56.5 percent from the field and 17-of-33 from three.
This was a brutal effort from the inconsistent Knicks, who just crushed the host Denver Nuggets 145-118 two nights earlier.
Two evenings before the Denver game, New York lost 121-106 to the 4-13 Utah Jazz, who entered Wednesday second-last in the Western Conference.
Needless to say, this stretch is symbolic of the season.
Talkin’ Knicks @TalkinKnicksI need the Knicks to decide if they’re the best team in the NBA or the worst
The 10-8 Knicks still sit a respectable fourth in the Eastern Conference, but this team clearly has a lot of work to do, particularly on the defensive end. Fans weren’t thrilled with the outing.
Rob Perez @WorldWideWobKnicks 10-8. Thoughts. pic.twitter.com/n7WVpyUVMs
CP “The Fanchise” @CPTheFanchiseAnother frustrating loss ala Utah game. I felt like this was gonna be a tough matchup for the Knicks tonight. Dallas is deep, versatile and defends well. Knicks got ran out the gym, smh
Tommy Beer @TommyBeerAfter putting up 145 against Denver in the highest scoring game by any team this season…
Knicks shit the bed in the first half in Dallas, scoring just 38 points (lowest scoring half this season) https://t.co/Phqnh44CAK
Shaun @iHateShaunIf you haven’t noticed, I’m pretending the Knicks game didn’t happen for my mental health. Cole World.
Big Knick Energy @BigKnickEnergy_God put the Knicks on earth to test me. pic.twitter.com/qB11yWfhGs
Donnie @Dsmoot3DKnicks down 22 at half and Luka’s not even playing. Imma go be with my family.
Alex Trataros 🇯🇲🇬🇷🏁✊🏽 @Traticaster101I’d like to thank the Knicks for making my eyes bleed after that first half.
KNICKS BEAST @KnicksBeastReactions:
-Ugly ugly loss
-The Knicks played 5 vs 8 all game
-OG went from career high to season low
-Knicks never found a rhythm
-Dinwiddie game is mad annoying
-Knicks drop to 2-2 on the road trip
What more can you say? That sucked. Rebound game in Charlotte on Friday
LGK 🏀
The Strickland @TheStricklandThe Knicks should be embarrassed
Pete Hoffman @HoffWFANIt’s not a good sign that the Knicks keep getting blown out
The Knicks will have Thanksgiving off before visiting the Charlotte Hornets on Friday at noon ET.
