New York Knicks effort in D.C. reminds everybody who they are (Highlights) 2
Nov 17, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) shoots a layup as New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) defends during the second half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

After a thrilling win that saw young Kristaps Porzingis put up a career-high 35 points, the New York Knicks fall back on mediocrity in D.C.

  • New York Knicks 112 (5-7)
  • Washington Wizards 119 (3-8)
  • NBA, Final, Box Score
  • Verizon Center, Washington D.C.
Just when you think you can relax and smile, they pull you back in.

After a nice 105-102 victory at The Garden against the Detroit Pistons that featured young Kristaps Porzingis blowing up for 35 points, the New York Knicks swiftly reminded everybody just who they were. John Wall and the Washington Wizards blew out the Knickerbockers 119-112 in D.C. on Thursday night. 

New York wasn’t just blown out, it was embarrassed. Jeff Hornacek‘s squad provided very little effort in the contest. The third quarter started with the Wiz owning a 10-point lead. By the time the 12 minutes were through, the Knicks trailed by a humiliating 22.

Kurt Rambis‘s defense looked as if it had no interest in even trying. Wide open shooters were found all over the Verizon Center’s court.

All told, the Wizards shot a comfy 54.3 percent from the floor. John Wall and Otto Porter Jr. paced their squad with 21 points apiece. Washington’s fearless leader also dished out 11 dimes.

For New York, this night turned out to be far different than Wednesday for KP. He struggled with a 6-15 mark from the floor equalling a mere 13 points. Carmelo Anthony also shot at a poor 7-for-17 clip (19 points). Derrick Rose was the lone starter who shined offensively, finishing with 25.

Off the bench, Mindaugas Kuzminskas enjoyed a nice little flurry in the second quarter. He poured in eight points on two 3-pointers and a stuff via a Brandon Jennings fastbreak:

To pour salt into the wound, this Wiz team came into the game with just two losses and the owner of a three-game losing streak. This included losing to the Philadelphia 76ers. One of the NBA’s worst 3-point shooting teams (third worst) finished an incredible 15-of-25 from downtown.

No Small Ball

Despite seeing the success of the small lineup during the second half of the win against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, Hornacek has completely abandoned it. He got away with not using it as much against Detroit thanks, in part, to KP’s explosive night. He wasn’t so fortunate on this night.

Interestingly enough, when Hornacek finally pulled the plug on Joakim Noah during the latter stages of the fourth quarter, the Knickerbockers went on a run that provided D.C. fans a sense of uneasiness. New York outscored the Wiz 47-32 during the final frame and at one point cut the lead to eight.

Game Notes

The loss snaps a mini two-game winning streak for New York. The overall energy and defensive effort was porous.

B-Jennings enjoyed a nice night with 17 points, 10 assists, and a steal.

Now a disappointing 5-7, next up for the Knicks will be a Sunday matinee at The Garden against the Atlanta Hawks.

 NEXT: Melo takes aim at haters in commercial (Video) 

 

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Robby Sabo
https://jetsxfactor.com
Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com

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