This week, the Knicks only played in two games against two top teams in the eastern conference in Milwaukee and Boston, where they dropped both matchups. The Knicks have now dropped to No.7 in the east with a 12-9 record. They were officially eliminated from the in-season tournament with a loss to the Bucks in the quarterfinal round.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5TH, KNICKS VS BUCKS
The Knicks were one and done in the official in-season tournament with a 146-122 loss to the top-seeded Bucks on the road. The last time these two teams met, Jalen Brunson scored 45 points to no avail, and this time, Julius Randle had the big performance. Randle had 41 points on 14-of-19 shooting, going a perfect 9-of-9 from the field to score 25 points in the first half. Brunson and RJ Barrett both chipped in with 24 and 23 points, respectively. The Knicks, of course, had no answer for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who ended the game with 35 points, ten assists, and eight boards. Damian Lillard also poured in 28 points, knocking in five three-pointers. The Knicks went into the half only down three points until the third quarter onslaught commenced, losing the period 37-24. From there, the Bucks went into cruise control and never looked back to secure their bid to the semifinals against the Pacers in the in-season tournament.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8TH, KNICKS VS Celtics
Resuming normal regular season play, the Knicks dropped their next game 133-123 against the Celtics on the road. Brunson and Barret both scored 23 points, and Randle chipped in 20 points in the loss. The Celtics took a nine-point lead into the intermission and never took their foot off the gas, heading into the final quarter up 14 points. They would go on to secure the win behind 30 points from Derrick White.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Knicks will look to get back on track Monday at home against the Toronto Raptors. The Knicks won the first matchup 119-106 behind Brunson’s 22 points. This will be an excellent opportunity to regain momentum in front of the New York crowd, being the Knicks' first home game since November 30th against Detroit.