The sudden absence of Derrick Rose took the entire New York Knicks organization by surprise, forcing head coach Jeff Hornacek to name backup Brandon Jennings the starter 40 minutes prior to their Monday night matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Jennings responded well, with a team-high of 20 points, adding five rebounds, four assists, and two steals in a losing effort.
Knicks cornerstone Carmelo Anthony was ejected in the third quarter after arguing a call with the officials, earning himself two quick technicals fouls and making his way to the showers earlier than he would've liked. It's another on a relatively long list of ejections — a list some say shows his true colors.
Pelicans star forward Anthony Davis shredded the New York defense for 40 points to go along with his 18 rebounds through 29 minutes, until he was knocked out of the game with a hard foul by Kyle O'Quinn, who was consequently ejected from the game.
New York's meltdown was evident, as the team seemed to be more focused into their missing point guard than the opponent in front of them.
“I think a lot,” Jennings told reporters, when asked how the short notice affected the team. “Just the fact that we didn't hear anything and we still don't know anything… a guy like Derrick, he's such a good guy.”
Reports have surfaced that there's a “strong indication” that Rose has returned to Chicago for a “family situation,” but nothing has been made clear as of this time.
The Knicks have now dropped eight of their last nine games, pushing them farther back into the depths of the Eastern Conference.
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