The New York Knicks were hoping to carry over their momentum from a clutch win on Friday night into the Staples Center during their matchup with the depleted Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Unfortunately, they were unable to slow down the fast-paced Lakers team and were blown out 127-107.
Los Angeles is well-known for their youth movement and up-tempo style of play. However, head coach Jeff Hornacek was still impressed by how well this Lakers team plays in transition, according to Ryan Ward of ClutchPoints.
“You don’t see many of these games, they are the No. 1 paced team in the league, they are really flying. They have some young athletic kids that really get up & down the court.”
Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis echoed Hornacek's sentiment about Los Angeles' ability to fly up and down the court.
“As soon as they get the ball, it doesn’t matter who gets the ball, they just run transition.”
“We knew that the Lakers have the fastest pace in the NBA. I think we all agree that we didn’t do a good job of slowing it down ourselves, not falling into their game – showing it down, taking good shots – so we could get back on defense.”
It is a bit perplexing to see how the Knicks were unable to slow down the Lakers despite being well-aware of their strengths. Los Angeles had even been without two of their core players in rookie point guard Lonzo Ball and shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Although it could be a testament to their improved play, it is still a bit concerning to see the Knicks unable to make adjustments.
Needless to say, Porzingis was unable to do his part after registering just 17 points and four rebounds in the loss. The Knicks will need to make some tremendous strides soon if they are to get back into the Eastern Conference Playoff picture.
Follow Us
Subscribe