The angst had dissipated considerably in current days. However it got here roaring again.
After two video games breezing previous lowly opposition within the Wizards and shorthanded Mavericks, the Knicks stepped again up in weight class Wednesday evening.
They usually failed yet one more take a look at towards groups in playoff rivalry, falling 126-113 to the Clippers at Madison Sq. Backyard.
They fell to 5-5 with out Jalen Brunson, with their 5 wins all coming towards groups exterior the playoff image.
It continues a worrying season-long lack of ability to beat high quality foes, which has solely been exacerbated with out Brunson.
James Harden turned again the clock and torched the Knicks for 29 factors and 10 assists, together with scoring 11 straight Clippers factors late within the third quarter.
It sparked a 16-6 run for Los Angeles, taking a tied recreation to a double-digit lead coming into the fourth quarter.
Kawhi Leonard took it from there, scoring the primary 10 Clippers factors of the fourth quarter because the Los Angeles lead ballooned to 18. He completed with 27 factors, seven assists and 10 rebounds.
The Knicks protection fell aside within the second half, giving up 40 factors within the third quarter and 32 within the fourth. That they had no solutions for Harden nor Leonard, and Norman Powell additionally chipped in 19 factors for the Clippers.
Karl-Anthony Cities did every part he may to maintain the Knicks in it, following up his triple-double displaying with 34 factors and 13 rebounds. Josh Hart was a lot quieter than Tuesday, recording seven factors, six assists and 6 rebounds.
And the Knicks offense struggled when Cam Payne exited with a left ankle sprain, leaving Tyler Kolek as the one wholesome true level guard out there. It prompted enjoying time for little-used Delon Wright, although he did little with it, failing to attain.
The Knicks’ lack of depth, which has been a season-long theme, was uncovered as effectively.
The Clippers outscored the Knicks 24-12 in bench factors.
Friday offers one other alternative towards a playoff-bound opponent within the Bucks.
