Knicks Fall Short Against Heat
On a disappointing night for the New York Knicks, the team fell short against the Miami Heat with a final score of 115-113, leaving them still hunting for their initial road victory of the season. The game featured a thrilling resurgence by the Knicks in the final quarter but ultimately ended in heartbreak.
Game Overview
Missing key players OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson due to injuries, the Knicks adjusted their lineup, fielding a starting five that included Landry Shamet, Miles McBride, Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mitchell Robinson. The Knicks struggled to find their rhythm right from the beginning, accumulating only 20 points in the first quarter. Their shooting was lackluster, with only three players, McBride, Bridges, and Josh Hart, managing to score. They ended the period shooting a mere 3-for-9 from three-point range and 7-for-21 overall. In contrast, Miami also had a tough start, scoring just 25 points and allowing New York to stay close, trailing by only five points at the end of the first quarter.
Quarter Highlights
The Knicks began to spark life in the second quarter, embarking on a 7-0 run that pushed them ahead, thanks to contributions from Clarkson and Shamet. As the quarter progressed, the lead changed hands multiple times, showcasing a tightly contested game. The Knicks briefly led 46-44 courtesy of a bucket from Hart, but Miami rallied, finishing the half on an 11-5 run, including a last-minute three-pointer from Davion Mitchell, to hold a four-point advantage at halftime.
Coming out of halftime, Karl-Anthony Towns made a significant impact, scoring eight of New York’s first ten points in the third quarter and reinforcing their offensive efforts in the paint alongside Robinson, Bridges, and Hart. Remarkably, the Knicks managed to net 31 points in the third without converting a single three-pointer, despite the Heat connecting on four shots from long distance. New York’s methodical approach allowed them to inch closer as Miami faltered on several mid-range attempts.
Final Moments
Entering the fourth quarter just a point behind, the Knicks seized the lead early on. McBride managed a crucial three-pointer that briefly put them ahead, but it was during this stretch that the Heat executed a 14-3 run, creating a ten-point cushion with just over three minutes remaining. McBride struck back with two more three-pointers, narrowing the gap, and Towns made clutch free throws to pull the Knicks within two. After a jumper from Norman Powell extended Miami’s lead, Towns launched a three-pointer, making it just a one-point game with mere seconds on the clock.
The pivotal moment came when the Knicks believed they had tied the game after a goaltending call on Towns’ shot was initially upheld but later reversed upon review. This left the Knicks scrambling for another opportunity to even the score or seize the win. Unfortunately, McBride’s close-range attempt fell short, sealing the game in favor of Miami.
Player Performances
McBride finished as the standout performer with a game-high of 25 points on 10-for-23 shooting, though he missed a crucial chance to tie the game. With this defeat, the Knicks have now fallen to 0-4 in away games this season—a fact that adds to their growing frustrations.
In a notable performance, Kel’el Ware was dubbed the game MVP, contributing significantly with a double-double comprising 16 points and 14 rebounds, including a critical block that turned out to be pivotal at the end of the match.
Next Game
Next up, the Knicks will continue their quest for that elusive road win as they face the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, with the tip-off scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
