NY Knicks Beat: Outclassed in 4th, Knicks' Streak Ends in San Antonio

BOXSCORE

It was an ugly game from the beginning and the Knicks were unable to gain control of the game at any point. When the going got tough and the Spurs turned up the pressure the Knicks folded. The 4th quarter was awful for the Knicks and it took them over 5 minutes, 8 possessions to score a single basket and at that point they were already down 12. Duncan was a huge problem for Randolph and the Knicks as he basically scored at will and changed several of the Knicks' shots.

The effort and hustle was there from the guys, it was just lack of experience and organization that led to their demise. Nate Robinson looked unusually slow and tired last night and he did not provide the usual spark off the bench that he has made himself known for. Duhon and Lee were very successful with the pick and roll all night but didn't really run the play as often as they should have.

It was a mixture of good defensive hustle plays, solid rebounding and lucky made shots that kept the Knicks in the game for three quarters. Once luck ran out, the Knicks' chance of winning ran right along side of it. Poor shooting from the entire team aside from Jamal Crawford (28 points) really hurt the chances. The Knicks shot 38% from the field and 64% from the free throw line, both well below standards.

The Spurs' starting five out rebounded that of the Knicks 36-21, the Spurs also collected 5 offensive rebounds off of missed free throws. The Knicks got virtually nothing from Quentin Richardson who might be the absolute worst player in the NBA when it comes to getting himself involved in a game. I have really never seen a player disappear into the 'Knick-Myst' more than Q. I'd really like Wilson Chandler to not be so in love with the jumper. At times he shoots fluidly and at other times he throws up bricks that look like ugly potatoes and sound like pots banging together. He needs to be more committed to getting to the free throw line more by taking it to the basket whenever he sees an opening.

Winning on the road is tough period and winning in San Antonio is harder on another level. Therefore, no need for the team nor the fans to panic, but it certainly puts the Knicks in their place.

"They're a tough team regardless, when they have Tim Duncan on the other side it's going to be tough, no matter who's out. He has a way of making everybody around him better." said Knicks guard Jamal Crawford

"They played hard, and they were desperate," Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said. "They're a good team and give them credit, but we didn't play well. We need to shoot the ball better, move the ball a little better against a team like that."