Knicks Morning News (2017.12.31)

  • [SNY Knicks] Porzingis says Knicks needed key road win Saturday night
    (Saturday, December 30, 2017 11:44:05 PM)

    Kristaps Porzingis played a key role in the Knicks’ come-from-behind win over the Pelicans on Saturday night, giving the team a much-needed road win to wrap up 2017.

  • [SNY Knicks] Kristaps Porzingis’ late effort propels Knicks to 105-103 win on the road
    (Saturday, December 30, 2017 9:35:56 PM)

    NEW ORLEANS (AP) Kristaps Porzingis scored 30 points, Jarrett Jack made two free throws to break a tie with 9 seconds remaining and the New York Knicks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 105-103 on Saturday night.

  • [SNY Knicks] Tonight’s game: Knicks at Pelicans, 7 p.m.
    (Saturday, December 30, 2017 4:07:05 PM)

    The Knicks hope to end recent skid against the Pelicans.

  • [SNY Knicks] Kristaps Porzingis shares personal theory for avoiding technical fouls
    (Saturday, December 30, 2017 2:20:04 PM)

    Kristaps Porzingis, who recently complained about not getting enough foul calls, shares his theory on how to avoid technicals.

  • [NYDN] Kristaps Porzingis heats up late to carry Knicks over Pelicans
    (Saturday, December 30, 2017 9:26:55 PM)

    Porzingis strapped on his cape and ended his 2017 with a bang.

  • [NYDN] Ntilikina earns more minutes, but won’t start for Knicks … yet
    (Saturday, December 30, 2017 6:27:14 PM)

    Jeff Hornacek is not yet ready to start Frank Ntilikina. But that time is coming.

  • [NYTimes] Knicks 105, Pelicans 103: Kristaps Porzingis’s 30 Points Help Knicks Top Pelicans and End Skid
    (Sunday, December 31, 2017 5:08:31 AM)

    Porzingis scored 7 straight points in a late fourth-quarter push as the Knicks won for the first time in five games.

  • [NY Newsday] Knicks come back, earn road victory over Pelicans
    (Saturday, December 30, 2017 11:27:41 PM)

    The Knicks ended 2017 with a hard-fought victory on the road. Those have been hard to come by for this surprising team.

  • [NY Newsday] Jeff Hornacek wants to give Frank Ntilikina more minutes
    (Saturday, December 30, 2017 9:51:50 PM)

    Jeff Hornacek plans to give Frank Ntilikina more playing time, but he’s not quite ready to start him.

  • [NY Newsday] Looking back and ahead at the Knicks and the NBA
    (Saturday, December 30, 2017 7:53:35 PM)

    Jeff Hornacek isn’t one to make New Year’s resolutions. But when pushed on it, the Knicks’ coach said, “Road wins” and laughed heartily.

  • [NYPost] Joakim Noah makes the most of precious minutes in Knicks win
    (Saturday, December 30, 2017 9:08:21 PM)

    NEW ORLEANS — This Knicks road trip started in Chicago with bad news for Joakim Noah. For the second time in 2 ½ weeks, he would not be dressing at the arena in which he was once an MVP candidate. The trip ended with one of Noah’s finest moments of a strange season — with…

  • [NYPost] Kristaps Porzingis busts slump to rescue Knicks in rare road win
    (Saturday, December 30, 2017 4:46:51 PM)

    NEW ORLEANS — Kristaps Porzingis broke out of his slump with a 30-point game and rose up in the clutch. Jarrett Jack, this time, hit last-second free throws. And the Knicks celebrated wildly on the court at the buzzer, heading into the new year with a .500 record. Rallying from an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit, the…

  • [NYPost] Yankees rise, Giants crash, Knicks find hope: 2017 in review
    (Saturday, December 30, 2017 12:25:59 PM)

    Well, there goes another year into the books that somehow marched merrily on without a championship from a New York City team. If you’re keeping score, come May 3, 2018, that will be 2,282 days since our last title (the Giants’ most recent Super Bowl run), and that will surpass, by one day, the most…

  • [NYPost] The Knicks are slowly expanding Frank Ntilikina’s role
    (Saturday, December 30, 2017 10:24:06 AM)

    NEW ORLEANS – Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek isn’t ready to vault rookie point guard Frank Ntilikina into the starting lineup – at least not yet. Ntilikina is coming off his career-high 11 assists against French legend Tony Parker, logging a season-high 31 minutes in San Antonio. Meanwhile Jarrett Jack is starting to fade and Hornacek…

  • [NYPost] Porzingis is simmering, but has a secret for avoiding technical fouls
    (Saturday, December 30, 2017 8:36:01 AM)

    NEW ORLEANS — Kristaps Porzingis admits he has had a tough time fighting frustration on the court over not getting a lot of calls. The 7-foot-3 Latvian said he has done his best not to lash out at referees, but said, “it’s getting to me a bit.’’ After fouling out in San Antonio in the…

  • 2017-18 Game Thread: Knicks @ Pelicans

    Another road game, at least it is against a team that isn’t that good.

    KP vs. The Brow!!

    Let’s go, Knicks!

    HoopsHype: No team is shooting or making fewer three-pointers than the Knicks

    Good article by Bryan Kalbrosky.

    Only the Golden State Warriors have a better catch-and-shoot field goal percentage this season. New York is shooting 38.7 percent from downtown when taking catch-and-shoot three-pointers, which ranks Top 5 in the East.

    But they rank last in the East (16.6) for attempts per game. They have not found a true spot-up shooter on their roster, as they have run this play type (15.3 percent) fewer than any other team in their conference.

    Last season, this is something they relied on from 6-foot-8 forward Lance Thomas. In fact, most of his offense (53.2 percent frequency) came from this play type. Mindaugas Kuzminskas, who they recently waived, was also a spot-up shooter (35.9 percent frequency) for the Knicks.

    The article also quotes Hornacek as noting that this needs to change, and yet….

    Knicks Morning News (2017.12.30)

  • [NYDN] Triangle gone but Knicks offense remains bafflingly inefficient
    (Friday, December 29, 2017 12:22:18 PM)

    The triangle is gone but Jeff Hornacek’s offense remains stuck in another era.

  • [NYDN] NY Sports Odds for 2018: The Yankees & a bunch of long shots
    (Friday, December 29, 2017 7:44:16 AM)

    The Big Apple fan base went without a title again in 2017. What are the odds that will change in the new year?

  • [NYDN] Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis makes plea for more foul calls
    (Friday, December 29, 2017 7:05:33 AM)

    Mired in an ugly shooting slump, Kristaps Porzingis made a public plea to the referees for help.

  • [NYPost] The Knicks are missing their ‘Angry Grandpa’
    (Friday, December 29, 2017 7:51:52 PM)

    NEW ORLEANS — It took a while, but the sliding Knicks now feel Tim Hardaway Jr.’s extended absence full bore. Michael Beasley calls Hardaway “Angry Grandpa,” and the Knicks miss his spirited oncourt fight — as well as his scoring. It has been almost four weeks since he was diagnosed with a stress reaction (at…

  • [NYPost] What Porzingis is really focused on during shooting slump
    (Friday, December 29, 2017 7:04:51 AM)

    NEW ORLEANS — The consistent 30-point games are history and the shooting percentage has dipped to 44.4 percent. After a 119-107 loss Thursday to the Spurs in San Antonio, slumping Kristaps Porzingis even lobbied referees for the second time this season after he felt they missed contact opponents made on his arms when he rises…

  • [SNY Knicks] Hornacek wants more threes from Knicks, who are NBA’s worst from deep
    (Friday, December 29, 2017 8:20:42 PM)

    The Knicks are dead last in three’s attempted and made. Jeff Hornacek hopes that changes.

  • [SNY Knicks] Kristaps Porzingis frustrated at lack of foul calls
    (Friday, December 29, 2017 3:15:44 PM)

    Kristaps Porzingis has grown frustrated at his lack of shooting fouls and took to the media to air his grievences.

  • [SNY Knicks] It’s time for the Knicks to make changes
    (Friday, December 29, 2017 12:30:08 PM)

    You may not be sure anymore if you’re watching basketball or you’re on the Superman roller coaster at Disney World.

  • [NYTimes] Keeping Score: Is LeBron James, at 33, Better Than He Was 5 Years Ago?
    (Friday, December 29, 2017 7:21:51 PM)

    You can say he’s ageless and even sublime. But can you truthfully say, as Steve Kerr did, that James is better in his 15th N.B.A. season than he was in his 10th?

  • [NYTimes] These N.B.A. Dancers Bring Their High Kicks Courtside
    (Friday, December 29, 2017 3:00:25 PM)

    With packed routines, the hard-working Brooklynettes and Knicks City Dancers are “there to create just as much of a show as the basketball players.”

  • [NY Newsday] Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis wants refs to call touches that foul up shot
    (Friday, December 29, 2017 7:46:00 PM)

    The game isn’t coming as easy for Kristaps Porzingis these days as it was at the start of the season.

  • Knicks Morning News (2017.12.29)

  • [NY Newsday] Knicks lose to Spurs, fall to 2-12 on road
    (Friday, December 29, 2017 1:05:04 AM)

    Kristaps Porzingis never got into an offensive rhythm, and he had his share of difficulties on the other end guarding LaMarcus Aldridge.

  • [NY Newsday] Tony Parker thinks Frank Ntilikina has what it takes to be good
    (Thursday, December 28, 2017 9:40:00 PM)

    Tony Parker is a fan of Frank Ntilikina’s game. The team in France owned by Parker (ASVEL) played Ntilikina’s (Strasbourg) the previous three years, and Parker saw enough to believe that the rookie point guard will make an impact in the NBA.

  • [NY Newsday] 2017 coaching, exec changes: Few NY-area teams went untouched
    (Thursday, December 28, 2017 6:19:00 PM)

    It has been a tumultuous year for New York-area managers, executives and coaches:

  • [NYTimes] Spurs 119, Knicks 107: Knicks Fall to 2-12 on the Road With Loss at Spurs
    (Friday, December 29, 2017 4:32:48 AM)

    The Knicks were able to push the pace against the Spurs, who were without Kawhi Leonard, but could not overcome a balanced effort from San Antonio.

  • [NYDN] Tony Parker helped Frank Ntilikina prepare for rookie season
    (Thursday, December 28, 2017 8:23:07 PM)

    French point guards stick together.

  • [NYDN] Knicks drop fourth straight game with 119-107 loss to Spurs
    (Thursday, December 28, 2017 8:22:05 PM)

    It’s officially trouble time.

  • [NYDN] Justin Holiday explains why he thought he’d re-sign with Knicks
    (Thursday, December 28, 2017 9:25:48 AM)

    Justin Holiday wanted to return to the Knicks and believed the feeling was mutual.

  • [NYDN] Knicks’ Enes Kanter trying to block out looming contract decision
    (Thursday, December 28, 2017 7:09:26 AM)

    It’s been long assumed Enes Kanter will opt into the final year of his contract. The $18.4 million is just too great.

  • [NYPost] Knicks overwhelmed by Kawhi Leonard-less Spurs
    (Thursday, December 28, 2017 6:26:41 PM)

    SAN ANTONIO — The Knicks were just relieved they weren’t blown out of Alamo City. They received a holiday gift from Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who rested superstar Kawhi Leonard on Thursday night for what the Spurs termed as “return from injury management.’’ Popovich made the right call and the Knicks returned below the .500…

  • [NYPost] What could determine Kyle O’Quinn’s future with the Knicks
    (Thursday, December 28, 2017 4:13:31 PM)

    SAN ANTONIO — The Knicks’ interest in trading Kyle O’Quinn at the Feb. 9 trade deadline will rise at the same rate as their chances of making the draft lottery. According to league sources, O’Quinn’s market value will depend on how clubs view his opt-out clause. The Knicks are under the impression O’Quinn, a Queens…

  • [NYPost] Frank Ntilikina is finally getting the matchup he’s dreamed of
    (Thursday, December 28, 2017 6:24:44 AM)

    SAN ANTONIO — French point-guard pioneer Tony Parker knows Knicks rookie Frank Ntilikina all too well. As the quarterback for Strasbourg last season, Ntilikina led his French team past Asvel in the French League semifinals. Parker, the Spurs legend, has owned Asvel for three years and said Ntilikina “was on our radar’’ in 2014 before…

  • [SNY Knicks] Knicks lose to Spurs 119-107, drop below .500
    (Thursday, December 28, 2017 11:08:35 PM)

    The Knicks drop their fourth straight, and fall below .500, with a 119-107 loss to the Spurs.

  • [SNY Knicks] Tony Parker hopes New York will be patient with compatriot Ntilikina
    (Thursday, December 28, 2017 9:28:55 PM)

    Tony Parker believes in the ability of Frank Ntilikina– but hopes the Knicks are patient with him.

  • [SNY Knicks] Enes Kanter isn’t thinking about contract decision
    (Thursday, December 28, 2017 8:40:17 PM)

    Enes Kanter could opt-out of his contract after this season and become a free agent.

  • [SNY Knicks] Tonight’s game: Knicks vs. Spurs, 8:30 p.m.
    (Thursday, December 28, 2017 6:06:46 PM)

    After losing to the lowly Bulls, the Knicks travel to San Antonio to take on the Spurs.

  • [SNY Knicks] Willy Hernangomez: I don’t like my situation
    (Thursday, December 28, 2017 4:00:02 PM)

    Willy Hernangomez has played just five minutes in the last eleven games, and his situation is becoming increasingly difficult.

  • 2017-18 Game Thread: Knicks @ Spurs

    This teams makes no sense sometimes, so honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them somehow pull off the upset in San Antonio. They have played well here in recent years, winning once and coming one rimmed out three by Calderon from winning again two years ago.

    Plus, no Kawhi tonight for the Spurs.

    So, hey, stranger things have happened!

    Let’s go, Knicks!

    Knicks Morning News (2017.12.28)

  • [ESPN] Knicks guard Hardaway’s return still unclear
    (Wednesday, December 27, 2017 12:16:24 PM)

    Tim Hardaway Jr. has increased his on-court activities but his return to the Knicks lineup is still undetermined.

  • [NY Newsday] Knicks tumble down stretch to another road loss
    (Thursday, December 28, 2017 12:06:42 AM)

    The brutal road stretch that started for the Knicks Wednesday night began in brutal fashion with another gut-wrenching loss.

  • [NY Newsday] Tim Hardaway making progress but no timetable on return to Knicks
    (Wednesday, December 27, 2017 7:55:00 PM)

    Tim Hardaway Jr. hasn’t been cleared for running yet, but he jogged over to the ball rack on the sideline, jogged back and shot a three-pointer.

  • [NYTimes] Bulls 92, Knicks 87: Knicks Let Big Lead Slip Away in Loss to Bulls
    (Thursday, December 28, 2017 4:12:01 AM)

    The Knicks led by as many as 15 in Chicago, but Kris Dunn led a comeback for the Bulls as they edged ahead in the final moments.

  • [NYTimes] Suns Pull Off the Hidden-Rule Trick and Emerge With a Victory
    (Thursday, December 28, 2017 3:04:29 AM)

    In the latest instance of a coach exploiting an obscure rule, the Suns avoided a goaltending call on a last-second inbounds pass that was dunked by Tyson Chandler for a win.

  • [SNY Knicks] Knicks crumble late in 92-87 loss to Bulls
    (Wednesday, December 27, 2017 10:30:00 PM)

    Kris Dunn scored 17 points, including two clutch free throws in the final seconds, and the surging Chicago Bulls rallied to beat the New York Knicks 92-87 on Wednesday night.

  • [SNY Knicks] Tonight’s game: Knicks at Bulls, 8 p.m.
    (Wednesday, December 27, 2017 6:00:00 PM)

    The Chicago Bulls will go for their ninth win in 11 games when they return home to host the New York Knicks on Wednesday night at United Center.

  • [SNY Knicks] Hardaway, Jr. making progress as he rehabs stress-reaction
    (Wednesday, December 27, 2017 12:11:27 PM)

    Hardaway, Jr. recently began jumping while shooting and is no longer wearing a brace.

  • [SNY Knicks] Hornacek says Knicks won’t retreat like last year’s squad
    (Wednesday, December 27, 2017 9:35:35 AM)

    Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek implied that this year’s team is stronger-minded than the one that collapsed in the second half of last season.

  • [NYPost] Knicks reveal new ‘City Edition’ jersey
    (Wednesday, December 27, 2017 10:09:22 PM)

    Every NBA team is adding another alternate uniform, and the two local teams will highlight some of the best parts of the Big Apple with their “City Edition” threads. The Knicks will honor the New York City Fire Department. The jersey features an FDNY crest that says “Knicks” and “N.Y.C.” along with ladder and fire…

  • [NYPost] Jeff Hornacek questions Knicks’ physicality after latest road loss
    (Wednesday, December 27, 2017 5:36:51 PM)

    CHICAGO — It ended with a missed free throw by Jarrett Jack and a weird 3-point shot by Enes Kanter that Jeff Hornacek called in the huddle. It ended with the Knicks coach calling out his team for not being tough or “physical’’ enough late in games away from the Garden. It ended in disaster…

  • [NYPost] Willy Hernangomez knows decision on his Knicks’ future is coming
    (Wednesday, December 27, 2017 4:53:10 PM)

    CHICAGO — At the Knicks’ Christmas Eve practice, center Willy Hernangomez got clocked by assistant coach David Bliss during a one-on-one drill. The blow caused a big welt on his right cheek. It swelled up, got infected and the normally handsome Hernangomez wasn’t ready for a modeling gig on Christmas. “I was worried — national…

  • [NYPost] Derrick Rose speaks: I’m not depressed, and I’ll be back
    (Wednesday, December 27, 2017 12:18:07 PM)

    Derrick Rose’s time with the Cavaliers did not get off to a good start, and after deciding to take some time away from the team, there was plenty of speculation about the ex-Knicks point guard’s NBA future. He wants you to know he has one. Rose left the Cavs on Nov. 22, but rejoined his…

  • [NYPost] Hornacek thinks Hardaway Jr. won’t miss all of crucial stretch
    (Wednesday, December 27, 2017 7:18:11 AM)

    CHICAGO — Tim Hardaway Jr. said he hopes to be cleared to run next week, and Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek still is eyeing a January return after Tuesday’s latest reevaluation. In the latest update after Tuesday’s reevaluation with team doctors, the Knicks announced he still will “continue to be reevaluated weekly.” The Knicks said in…

  • [NYDN] Knicks center Joakim Noah will be inactive against Bulls
    (Wednesday, December 27, 2017 8:27:48 PM)

    Joakim Noah will not play at the United Center this season. And that’s only because he’s no longer good enough to make the roster.

  • [NYDN] Knicks blow lead late in fourth, fall to Bulls, 92-87
    (Wednesday, December 27, 2017 8:27:17 PM)

    The Knicks blew it.

  • 2017-18 Game Thread: Knicks @ Bulls

    Tonight will be a fascinating game.

    The Knicks have been really poor on the road, but they’re still a good deal better, overall, than the Bulls. However, the Bulls are playing extremely well since Nikola Mirotic has returned and basically said, “Eff y’all for taking Bobby Portis’ side in our fight. I’m going to play out of my mind and show you that I’m awesome.” I find it a bit odd that they’re doing so well, since so many of their players are still not particularly good, but hey, maybe it’s a synergy-type thing?

    Anyhow, since the Knicks own the Bulls’ second round pick, then…

    A. It would be nice to give them more losses and
    B. The Knickiest thing would be for the Bulls to suddenly become good enough for that second round pick to not be worth all that much

    Anyhow, let’s hope that Kristaps Porzingis has a good game. I like it when he has good games.

    Let’s go, Knicks!

    Knicks Morning News (2017.12.27)

  • [NYTimes] The Fantastical Adventures of Fabulous Flournoy
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 7:21:47 PM)

    He is the beating heart of British basketball and his journey has taken him from the Bronx to Buckingham Palace. And, at 44, he is still going. “In his mind, age doesn’t apply.”

  • [NYTimes] On Pro Basketball: Who’s Fresher Than the Warriors?
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 2:38:30 PM)

    The outcome of the Christmas Day showdown with the Cavaliers was an apt reminder that the Warriors remain No. 1.

  • [NYDN] Knicks still don’t have return date for Tim Hardaway Jr.
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 11:16:05 AM)

    About three weeks after he was diagnosed with a stress injury, there’s still no timeline for Tim Hardaway Jr.’s return.

  • [NYDN] Jeff Hornacek says these Knicks won’t quit like last season
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 9:17:05 AM)

    With Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose dominating minutes at two positions — and often the ball — the Knicks quit last season.

  • [SNY Knicks] GEICO SportsNite: Knicks on tough upcoming schedule
    (Wednesday, December 27, 2017 12:03:22 AM)

  • [SNY Knicks] Enes Kanter: Knicks can beat ‘every team on every court’
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 11:35:42 PM)

    Knicks C Enes Kanter is maintaining confidence in his team as the Knicks prepare for a key three-game road trip.

  • [SNY Knicks] Jeff Hornacek provides Tim Hardaway Jr. injury update
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 4:34:39 PM)

    Tim Hardaway Jr. is still without a timetable to return, though is progressing in his rehabilitation.

  • [SNY Knicks] By the numbers: Joel Embiid vs. Kristaps Porzingis
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 4:00:17 PM)

    In the Knicks’ 105-98 Christmas Day loss to the Sixers, all eyes were on Kristaps Porzingis and Joel Embiid. So who won the matchup?

  • [SNY Knicks] Porzingis candidly speaks about shooting troubles, promises adjustments
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 2:50:54 PM)

    Kristaps Porzingis spoke candidly and maturely about his shooting struggles over his last nine games, promising improvements.

  • [NY Newsday] Knicks face tough road ahead — 16 of next 20 away from Garden
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 6:41:44 PM)

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  • [NYPost] Jeff Hornacek issues challenge to the Knicks’ two point guards
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 9:35:44 PM)

    The 76ers delivered the blueprint. Now it’s up to the Knicks to adjust — if they can. Sixers guard T.J. McConnell ruined Christmas at the Garden with his pressure defense, as Jarrett Jack and Frank Ntilikina struggled running the offense while being hounded by the reserve guard. Expect future opponents to do the same. “Even…

  • [NYPost] Tim Hardaway Jr. works on drills without a brace
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 8:48:57 PM)

    At least he’s not going backward. The stress injury to Tim Hardaway Jr.’s lower left leg is taking ample time to heal, but he is making progress, albeit slowly, it seems. Hardaway wasn’t wearing a brace on his left leg as he took jump shots, went through shooting drills and jumped off both legs after…

  • [NYPost] This is the year of James Harden — and the rip-off trades that weren’t
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 1:05:32 PM)

    On Dec. 25, 1947, a tradition was born. For the first time, an NBA game was played on Christmas, with the New York Knicks defeating the Providence Steam Rollers — one of the original 11 teams — 89-75. Twenty years later, the Christmas slate was broadcast on national television, so fans all across the country…

  • [NYPost] John Mellencamp and Meg Ryan have Christmas date at the Knicks game
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 10:46:53 AM)

    The two were seen at Madison Square Garden along with their sons.

  • [NYPost] We’re about to find out if these Knicks are a mirage
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 10:11:48 AM)

    The similarities are eerie — almost like looking into a mirror. A year ago at this time, there was optimism surrounding the Knicks, two games above .500 following a hard-fought Christmas Day loss at the Garden to a division rival. A tough three-game road trip was on tap. It became the precursor to a nightmarish…

  • Knicks Morning News (2017.12.26)

  • [NY Newsday] Enes Kanter downplays big game in losing outcome
    (Monday, December 25, 2017 10:39:31 PM)

    Fair warning: If you texted Enes Kanter on Monday to tell him what a great job he did, there is a very high likelihood that he didn’t and won’t get back to you. Don’t be offended. He’s a bottom-line kind of guy.

  • [NY Newsday] Knicks fall to 76ers despite Enes Kanter’s 31
    (Monday, December 25, 2017 10:36:54 PM)

    On paper, the Knicks had almost everything going for them — a raucous Christmas Day crowd in the friendly confines of Madison Square Garden, a 76ers team that practically limped into New York after losing nine of its previous 10, and Enes Kanter, who — despite entering the game being overshadowed by a certain other big man — was about to have one of the best games of his career.

  • [NYDN] Joel Embiid outshines Enes Kanter as 76ers spoil Knicks’ Xmas
    (Monday, December 25, 2017 4:46:06 PM)

    Joel Embiid waited a long time for a chance to make a first impression at Madison Square Garden.

  • [NYDN] Knicks must improve away from MSG as they hit road entering 2018
    (Monday, December 25, 2017 12:46:21 PM)

    Now we’re about to see if the Knicks are for real or not.

  • [NYPost] Knicks just watched their worst fear get exposed
    (Monday, December 25, 2017 12:51:50 PM)

    Entering this season, the fear for the Knicks was their point-guard play. The fear was realized on Christmas. Starting point guard Jarrett Jack went scoreless, going 0-for-5, and committed an ill-advised flagrant foul on Joel Embiid in the third quarter with the score tied at 52. Rookie Frank Ntilikina looked lost on defense for one…

  • [NYPost] Knicks fans now have a new enemy
    (Monday, December 25, 2017 12:39:03 PM)

    Joel Embiid said his family wasn’t around for Christmas. So maybe that’s why he decided to play Grinch and steal the Knicks holiday spirit. This was supposed to be a nationally televised celebration of all the progress the Knicks have made this season, especially at the Garden, where they have been rather dominant — at…

  • [NYPost] Porzingis tries to find the bright side of all these bricks
    (Monday, December 25, 2017 12:22:17 PM)

    It was another subpar shooting performance for Kristaps Porzingis, who wasn’t as big of a factor as he needed to be in the Knicks’ 105-98 loss to the Sixers on Christmas Day at the Garden. Porzingis was 6-of-19 from the field and was just 9-of-14 from the free-throw line to finish with 22 points. In…

  • [NYPost] Enes Kanter doesn’t care how monstrous a game he played
    (Monday, December 25, 2017 12:12:19 PM)

    Knicks starting center Enes Kanter got a slew of Christmas texts congratulating him for his 30-20 game. But Kanter has his 20/20 vision trained on the big picture and he will not return many of those good-natured messages because the Knicks suffered a damaging 105-98 defeat to the Sixers in Monday’s Garden holiday matinee. Kanter…

  • [NYPost] The other unicorn steals Knicks’ Christmas in bad omen
    (Monday, December 25, 2017 9:46:48 AM)

    This was no Merry Kristaps for the Knicks. In fact, Monday’s holiday could foreshadow something grim — as it did a year ago. Knicks center Enes Kanter was sensational with a 31-point, 22-rebound explosion, but Kristaps Porzingis didn’t have one of his stronger games. That allowed the 76ers’ Joel Embiid and his flock of hot-shooting…

  • [NYTimes] On Pro Basketball: Warriors Amble Back Into the Spotlight and Take Down the Cavaliers
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 4:53:12 AM)

    The Christmas Day showdown was sort of scruffy, with both Stephen Curry and Isaiah Thomas missing. But the result was an apt reminder that the Warriors remain No. 1.

  • [NYTimes] On Pro Basketball: The Vibe Is Better for the Knicks, but There Are Perils Ahead
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 12:33:01 AM)

    After Monday’s loss, New York was 17-16 and facing a long, tough stretch on the road. And the Knicks have been weak away from home this season.

  • [NYTimes] Warriors 99, Cavaliers 92: Led by an Overpowering Kevin Durant, the Warriors Defeat the Cavaliers
    (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 2:32:54 AM)

    Durant delivered a towering performance on both ends of the floor, defending LeBron James and scoring 25 points.

  • [SNY Knicks] By the numbers: Joel Embiid vs. Kristaps Porzingis
    (Monday, December 25, 2017 4:20:17 PM)

    In the Knicks’ 105-98 Christmas Day loss to the Sixers, all eyes were on Kristaps Porzingis and Joel Embiid. So who won the matchup?

  • [SNY Knicks] Kanter doesn’t care about big stats on Christmas: He wants wins, playoffs
    (Monday, December 25, 2017 4:31:14 PM)

    Enes Kanter made history on Christmas Day, but doesn’t care because his team lost.

  • [SNY Knicks] Kanter steals the show as Knicks fall to Sixers on Christmas Day
    (Monday, December 25, 2017 2:35:42 PM)

    The Knicks fell to the Sixers on Christmas Day despite 31 points and 22 rebounds from Enes Kanter.

  • [SNY Knicks] Kris Kringle: Porzingis gifts media Zing Bars on Christmas Day
    (Monday, December 25, 2017 12:42:39 PM)

    Kristaps Porzingis gifted the media Zing Bars on Christmas Day against the Sixers.

  • [SNY Knicks] Hornacek disagrees with Van Gundy’s thoughts on Knicks’ schedule
    (Monday, December 25, 2017 10:05:00 AM)

    After Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy said the NBA gave the Knicks a favorable home schedule through the first couple months of the season, New York head coach Jeff Hornacek said he didn’t see it in Van Gundy’s eyes.

  • [SNY Knicks] O’Quinn, Noah active as Knicks take on 76ers
    (Monday, December 25, 2017 11:55:00 AM)

    Knicks forwards Kyle O’Quinn and Joakim Noah are both active for Monday’s game against the 76ers, while Philadelphia forward Joel Embiid and guard J.J. Redick are also active.

  • [SNY Knicks] Returns of Porzingis, Embiid highlights Knicks-76ers matchup
    (Monday, December 25, 2017 9:10:00 AM)

    Kristaps Porzingis and the Knicks face Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas at noon.