The New York Knicks fell short against an elite team once again.
Even when the New York Knicks are good, they are bad. With a record most teams in the NBA teams would take, the team is clearly flawed.
The story of the Knicks’ season has been coming up short in big games. They have not beaten either of the sides above them in the Eastern Conference, and have now suffered back to back losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics.
The latest loss to the Celtics game by a score of 118-105. There was little to change the opinion that they are pretenders and not contenders to win the title.
Pressure is building on Tom Thibodeau, especially with his usage of his top stars.
The New York Knicks did attempt a fightback in the third quarter. Their hopes appeared to end after Karl-Anthony Towns was denied at the basket late in the game.
Towns hobbled off the court, wincing in pain. And with that, the Knicks’ hopes of an unlikely comeback evaporated and the Celtics efficiently closed the game out.
Then bizarrely, but perhaps not so knowing Tom Thibodeau, Towns re-entered the game with minutes remaining and the Celtics clearly easing to a win.
Amid the ongoing debate over Thibodeau’s high usage of his starters, this encapsulated the problem and left fans on social media frustrated and angry.
One fan wrote: “How long before a Knicks player is seriously injured with the way Tom Thibodeau is continually pushing the players?”
Another added: “Coach Thibodeau has Karl Anthony Towns in the game down 18 with 2 minutes left in the 4th quarter. Take KAT out the game you risking a worse injury to that left knee.”
A third blasted: “Thibodeau didn’t learn from Derrick Rose tearing his knee up. Pull KAT. His knee is bothering him.”
A further comment read: “Tom Thibodeau bringing Kat back in to the game with 4 min left who has a bum ankle and they’re down 20… lol I guarantee the Knicks don’t get through the playoffs healthy.”
Another fan wrote: “Thibs putting KAT back into a 20 point game with 3 mins left after injuring his knee is a legitimate fireable offense.”
Another account wrote: “Thibs sending KAT back out there in a blowout, is reckless, brainless, and indefensible. Thibs is risking the future of Towns, and the Knicks. The front office should step in.”
Karl-Anthony Towns played 41 minutes during the loss, the most of any player on the court.
Josh Hart played 40 minutes on his return to action after missing the Knicks’ previous two games. OG Anunoby played 35 minutes and Jalen Brunson 38. Mikal Bridges played 28.
Debate over the Knicks’ depth has raged all season, and there is some talent there, with Miles McBride having a big night against the Bulls, and Precious Achiuwa proving to be a useful contributor.
Are they good enough to beat the Celtics? No, but right now neither are the Knicks starters, and running their opening five into the ground helps nobody.
