New York Knicks lose ugly OT game to Atlanta Hawks after Melo is ejected (Highlights)
Dec 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) looks to pass while guarded by Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

After losing Melo via ejection, the New York Knicks lost the first game of their three-game road trip against the Atlanta Hawks, 102-98.

  • New York Knicks 98 (16-15)
  • Atlanta Hawks 102 (16-16)
  • NBA, Final, Box Score
  • Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA

It wasn’t pretty tonight in Atlanta for the New York Knicks. It was pretty ugly. Both teams shot under 40 percent in a tough road loss for the Knicks. But the poor offense wasn’t the half of it.

Carmelo Anthony was ejected after playing just 15 minutes for a clear shot to the head of Atlanta’s Thabo Sefolosha.

Without him, the Knicks folded down the stretch. Derrick Rose took the reigns, and things fell apart. The point guard had 26 points, but it was on 9-28 shooting.

Kristaps Porzingis dropped 24 points on 7-17 shooting and 4-8 on threes.

https://youtu.be/tk-iijEwI74

With Courtney Lee (sore wrist) already out, the Knicks were short-handed anyway. But with a horrible performance from Paul Millsap this game was very winnable.

The Knicks will continue their three-game road trip Friday in New Orleans against Anthony Davis and the Pelicans. The game is at 8:00 p.m. ET on MSG Network.

 
I'm ESNY's Executive Editor for EliteSportsNY.com. I cover the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. Email: chip.murphy@elitesportsny.com Chip Murphy covers the NBA for Elite Sports NY. You can find him on Twitter @ChipperMurphy.