New York Knicks lose heartbreaking four-overtime game against Atlanta Hawks (Highlights)
Jan 29, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) puts up a shot over New York Knicks center Joakim Noah (13) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks lost a heartbreaker in quadruple-overtime to the Atlanta Hawks despite a huge night from Carmelo Anthony.

  • New York Knicks 139 (21-28)
  • Atlanta Hawks 142 (28-20)
  • NBA, Final, Box Score
  • Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA

The New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks played just the eleventh quadruple-overtime game in the history of the NBA and it was a wild one. There were 21 ties and 23 lead changes between two clearly evenly matched squads. In the end, though, the absence of their stars caused the Knicks to falter.

Questionable (at best) officiating was a theme throughout the contest, but New York was already short-handed before tipoff. Derrick Rose (sprained ankle) was out. After another rough night from Kristaps Porzingis (16 points on 14 shots), Carmelo Anthony needed to be the hero.

With Porzingis fouling out in just 30 minutes of action, Anthony controlled the game. He poured in 17 points in the first quarter and 45 in total, including clutch shots at the end of the fourth quarter and in overtime.

The most remarkable part of this Knicks performance was surviving the third overtime without Anthony or Porzingis. When Melo fouled out, things seemed doomed.

As great as Anthony was, he has to share the game ball with Courtney Lee. There’s no third overtime without New York’s starting shooting guard.

Key Stat

The Knicks took 51 three-point shots in today’s game. I love the three as much as the next guy, but they’re not the Houston Rockets. New York was just 35.3 percent from outside. That’s just crazy.

Key Player

Knicks fans on Twitter would tell you that Paul Millsap isn’t an All-Star. He played 60 minutes today and logged 37 points, 19 rebounds, and 7 assists. Looks like All-Star numbers to me.

 
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.