RJ Barrett, Collin Sexton
(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

The New York Knicks did not show up for their game Sunday night. Instead, there was another embarrassing loss at Madison Square Garden.

  • New York Knicks 87 (2-8)
  • Cleveland Cavaliers 108 (4-5)
  • NBA, Final, Box Score
  • Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

The New York Knicks did their best Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde impersonation. Unfortunately, tonight the fans saw Mr. Hyde.

Leading up to their Sunday night matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Knicks were riding some impressive momentum off the back of a road win in Dallas against Kristaps Porzingis and the Mavericks. However, none of those good vibes were present during this game.

The Cavs led by as much as 19 points during a half that featured some of the most porous Knicks defense this season. This is still team working through chemistry issues after adding 10 new players in the offseason. But in the 10th game of the season, fans would expect fewer miscommunications of defense and for players to step up and contest shooters on the three-point line.

Collin Sexton scored a team-high 16 points, hitting step-back threes, finishing with a plus 18 net rating. The Knicks were led by Julius Randle, who had 10 points and looked good in the first quarter. Yet, outside of Randle, the Knicks had no spark, no cohesion and, at times, no effort.

The beginning of the second-half brought more of the same. The Cavs stretched the lead out the 30 points and the home crowd was not shy about voicing their displeasure. You can understand that a young team will have its growing pains, but the Knicks lack of effort has brought the boo-birds out at home multiple times this season.

The Knicks cut the lead to 13 on a 21-to-6 run towards the end of the third quarter, but it was fool’s gold. The Knicks ended up losing 108-87 with almost zero resistance. For the orange and blue, Randle had 20 points and 16 rebounds and Allonzo Trier finished with 13 points off the bench.

In a rare tandem appearance during the regular season, both President of Basketball Operations Steve Mills and General Manager Scott Perry addressed the media after the shocking loss. Both expressed support for the coaching staff but acknowledged that results and effort have not met expectations.

The Knicks play the Chicago Bulls Tuesday night.