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NBA Scout Praises Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks Ahead of Timberwolves Game in Minnesota

Dec 19, 2024
TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 9: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks points to his jersey as he celebrates a basket during second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 9, 2024 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 9: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks points to his jersey as he celebrates a basket during second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 9, 2024 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

The acquisition of star center Karl-Anthony Towns has already paid dividends for the New York Knicks, and many around the NBA are starting to take notice.

"Stuff is coming so much easier for them than it did last year," an Eastern Conference scout told ESPN's Chris Herring of the Knicks' 16-10 start to the season. "We knew the spacing would be better with Towns, but I didn't think they'd be humming like this so quickly."

After spending the first nine seasons of his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Towns was sent to the Knicks this past offseason in a blockbuster trade. The two teams are set to face each other for the first time this season on Thursday night.

The New Jersey native has excelled in his return to the East Coast with averages of 24.8 points, a league-leading and career-high 13.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 blocks across 24 appearances. Towns had averaged under 22 points in each of his last two seasons in Minnesota, and he hadn't averaged a double-double since the 2020-21 campaign.

Behind Towns' hot start, the Knicks rank sixth in the NBA with a +6.2 point differential. After back-to-back second-round exits from the playoffs in the last two years, New York looks poised to contend for a title this season.

Towns will get the chance to show his old team what it's missing when the Knicks take on the Timberwolves (14-11) at the Target Center at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

Dick Van Arsdale Dies at 81; 3-Time NBA All-Star Played 12 Seasons with Suns, Knicks

Dec 16, 2024
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 28: Former Suns player Dick Van Arsdale is introduced to the new Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor during the NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Footprint Center on October 28, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Jazz 126-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 28: Former Suns player Dick Van Arsdale is introduced to the new Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor during the NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Footprint Center on October 28, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Jazz 126-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Dick Van Arsdale, a three-time NBA All-Star who played for the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns, died at the age of 81, the Suns announced Monday on social media.

Van Arsdale was a standout at Indiana from 1962 to 1965, earning All-American honors alongside his twin brother Tom. He averaged 17.2 points and 10 rebounds per game during his three seasons with the Hoosiers.

He was selected by the New York Knicks in the second round of the 1965 NBA draft and put up 12.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game to earn NBA All-Rookie Team honors.

After three seasons with the Knicks, Van Arsdale was the Phoenix Suns' first selection in the 1968 expansion draft, earning him the nickname "Original Sun." His first year in Phoenix saw him land on his first All-Star team as he put up 21 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. He was named an All-Star over the next two seasons as well and landed on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 1974.

Van Arsdale retired after the 1976-77 season, totaling 15,079 points, 3,807 rebounds and 3,057 assists across his 12 years in the league. He was the Suns' all-time leading scorer when he retired.

After retiring, Van Arsdale stayed connected with the Suns, serving as their general manager and senior vice president of player personnel, interim head coach in 1987 and as a television and radio color commentator.

Van Arsdale was inducted into the Suns' Ring of Honor in 1999 and has his jersey number retired by the organization.

Knicks' Brunson Won't Put 'Fake Energy' into Being Upset by Trae Young's Celebration

Dec 14, 2024
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 11: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinals on December 11, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 11: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinals on December 11, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jalen Brunson admitted that Trae Young's Las Vegas-themed celebration following the Atlanta Hawks' win over the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup bothered him, but said doesn't plan to let it consume his energy as he focuses on the season ahead.

"Do I have an issue with it? Yeah, but he won, they won," Brunson said, per The New York Post's Zach Braziller. "So why put in false and fake energy to do something like that, when you could've done that to try and win the game. That's just my point of view on it."

The Hawks knocked the Knicks out of the NBA Cup with a 108-100 win in the quarterfinals on Wednesday behind Young's 22 points and 11 assists. The win punched Atlanta's ticket to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas, which explains why Young mimed rolling dice at midcourt as the game concluded.

After the loss, Brunson said there's a simple way to avoid having to watch celebrations like Young's.

"We should win the game if we don't want him to do that," he said.

Though the loss ended the Knicks' hopes of competing for the NBA Cup and the $500,000 prize, New York has had a slightly better overall season than Atlanta, sitting at 15-10 on the year compared to the Hawks, who are 14-12.

Since their 2021 playoff meeting, the Knicks and Hawks have developed a bit of a rivalry thanks to things like Young's celebration on Wednesday. Losing to Atlanta in a crucial NBA Cup game adds to the bitterness between the two fan bases and should make for an exciting matchup when the two teams square off next in January.

The Hawks have controlled the season series thus far, winning the first two meetings this year, but the Knicks will get three more chances to take down Atlanta this year.

New York will certainly remember how things went last time the next time it sees the Hawks.

NBA Execs Shade Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges Trades in Front Office Poll

Dec 12, 2024
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 1: Mikal Bridges #25 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks talk during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 1, 2024 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 1: Mikal Bridges #25 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks talk during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 1, 2024 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)

Forty executives and coaches combined to pick the New York Knicks sixth on The Athletic's poll of the NBA's top 10 front offices.

However, The Athletic noted that New York was "the most divisive front office in the NBA among league executives," with two quotes citing the trade for Mikal Bridges and the price tag on Karl-Anthony Towns.

"If they hadn't made the Mikal Bridges trade, they would be on here," a team executive told The Athletic. The executive added: "I didn't think that was the all-in move. They paid the price of what I thought would have been a better player."

Regarding Towns, one assistant general manager said: "I would not be in the Karl Towns business for $55 million a year."

The Knicks traded four unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027, 2029 and 2031), an unprotected pick swap in 2028, a top-four protected 2025 first-round pick (via the Milwaukee Bucks), a 2025 second-round pick, Bojan Bogdanovic, Mamadi Diakite and Shake Milton to the Brooklyn Nets for Bridges, Keita Bates-Diop, a 2026 second-round pick and the draft rights to Juan Pablo Vaulet.

So that's obviously a massive haul for one player. The 28-year-old Bridges is certainly a good one, averaging 16.9 points on 47.9 percent shooting for a 14-9 Knicks team sitting third in the Eastern Conference.

It's clear that one front office executive doesn't believe that Bridges is a good enough player to merit the massive haul that the Knicks gave the Nets. However, it's the one the Knicks clearly felt they needed to construct in order to land Bridges, perhaps seen as a missing piece to complete a championship-hopeful squad.

Towns came over from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a deal that notably sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo the other way. He has $159.4 million due to him from 2024-2027 with a $61 million player option as well.

That aforementioned assistant GM doesn't think enough of Towns to have him on his roster for that price tag, but the Knicks certainly do and have greatly benefitted from it thus far. Entering Thursday, Towns is averaging 25.1 points and 13.3 rebounds per game.

New York owns the most efficient offense in the NBA thanks in part to these two, although its defense has struggled (18th). Still, the team finds itself in the Eastern Conference mix thus far in hopes of making the franchise's first NBA Finals since 1999 and winning the first championship since 1973.

Timothée Chalamet's 2010 Photo with Knicks' Fields After Contest Win Stuns NBA Fans

Dec 10, 2024
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 06: Timothée Chalamet speaks onstage during A Complete Unknown screening event at Belcourt Theatre on December 06, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Searchlight Pictures)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 06: Timothée Chalamet speaks onstage during A Complete Unknown screening event at Belcourt Theatre on December 06, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Searchlight Pictures)

Timothée Chalamet's stellar showing on ESPN's College Gameday this past weekend was not the first time he displayed tremendous ball-knowledge.

A recently-rediscovered photo from 2010 showed the Oscar-nominated actor winning two tickets to a New York Knicks game by answering trivia questions from then-Knicks rookies Landry Fields and Andy Rautins.

On on Nov. 2, 2010, Fields originally posted on X that he and Rautins were going to be hanging around New York City and offering tickets to the first fan who answered their questions.

https://twitter.com/landryfields/status/29502391451
https://twitter.com/landryfields/status/29515533483

It's unclear what the trivia questions that Chalamet answered correctly were, but it's not a surprise he was able to get them right. While some people questioned his college football bonafides prior to Saturday, he has been spotted sitting courtside at Madison Square Garden several times over the years.

The resurfaced posts naturally stunned NBA fans, who admired Chalamet's dedication to the franchise:

https://twitter.com/JeffEisenband/status/1866287428228768069

Basketball seems to be the sport that Chalamet cares about the most, at least based on his list of social-media follows. The group includes Zach Lowe, Adrian Wojarnwoski, Bill Simmons and Frank Isola.

The 2010-11 season was a big one in Knicks history. They acquired Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets midway through the season and made the playoffs for the first time since the 2003-04 campaign.

Even though Anthony wasn't yet on the team for the game that Chalamet attended with the tickets he won, the Knicks still put on a good performance with him in the stands. They defeated the Washington Wizards 112-91, led by Toney Douglas' double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.

Karl-Anthony Towns Thrills Knicks Fans with Clutch FGs in Win vs. RJ Barrett, Raptors

Dec 10, 2024
TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 9: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball against Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on December 9, 2024 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 9: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball against Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on December 9, 2024 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

R.J. Barrett's hopes of picking up a victory over his former team were spoiled Monday night as Karl-Anthony Towns' clutch buckets secured the New York Knicks a 113-108 win over the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

Towns finished the night with a double-double, recording 24 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks while shooting 54 percent from the field in the victory. Mikal Bridges added 23 points, three rebounds and three assists.

The 7'0" big-man wowed fans as he sealed the game for the Knicks, pushing them to a 15-9 record on the season, while the Raptors dropped to 7-18.

On the other side, Barrett tried to lead his new team past his former squad of five seasons, tallying 30 points, eight rebounds and four assists while shooting 54 percent from the field.

OG Anunoby opened the scoring for the Knicks with a three-pointer off Bridges' assist, following a 5-0 start by the Raptors. The Knicks rallied to take a 34-27 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The Raptors responded by outscoring the Knicks 34-26 in the second quarter, capped by a pair of free throws from Scottie Barnes, giving Toronto a 61-60 advantage at halftime.

Towns posted 10 points by halftime, while Bridges and Brunson each recorded nine. For the Raptors, Barrett led the way with 17 points at the break.

Coming out of halftime, Brunson scored back-to-back buckets to push the Knicks ahead 64-61. The game remained tightly contested as both teams traded baskets down the stretch.

RJ Barrett tied the game at 108-108 with 42 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. However, his efforts fell short as Towns added five points in the final 36 seconds, securing the Knicks' victory and spoiling Barrett's hopes of revenge.

The Knicks will look to keep their winning-streak going against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday at home.

Knicks Rumors: Mikal Bridges' Start Called 'Disappointing' by NBA Insider After Trade

Dec 6, 2024
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 3: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks celebrates during the game against the Orlando Magic during the Emirates NBA Cup on December 3, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 3: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks celebrates during the game against the Orlando Magic during the Emirates NBA Cup on December 3, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Mikal Bridges' time with the New York Knicks hasn't quite gone as planned to this point.

The swingman was dealt to the Knicks before the 2024 NBA Draft and was expected to become a fixture in the core consisting of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby. The early returns have been inconsistent to this point, with Bridges averaging 16.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

All of those marks are down from his 2023-24 totals and Tim Bontemps of ESPN reported that those around the league believe Bridges needs to find a way to return to form.

"Disappointing. He has to find himself again," a scout told Bontemps.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that even if he shows improvement, the hefty price tag the Knicks had to pay will make Bridges' play even more scrutinized.

"Fair or not, the price they paid to trade for him will follow him," one league executive told Windhorst.

New York traded away five total first-round picks and a pick swap in 2028, in addition to other assets, to acquire Bridges in the hopes that he could be the piece that brings the team to the next level. New York is currently 14-8 and in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, so it's not as though Bridges' play has hindered the team all that much.

At this early juncture, there's still plenty of time for Bridges to find the form that helped him emerge as one of the NBA's ascendant young wings before he arrived at Madison Square Garden.

Jalen Brunson, Knicks Clinch NBA Cup Quarterfinal Berth, Excite Fans in Win vs. Magic

Dec 4, 2024
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 3: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw during the game against the Orlando Magic during the Emirates NBA Cup on December 3, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 3: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw during the game against the Orlando Magic during the Emirates NBA Cup on December 3, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The New York Knicks are off to the NBA Cup quarterfinals.

Headlined by Karl-Anthony Towns' 23 points and 15 rebounds, the Knicks blew out the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, 121-106, and secured the top spot in Group A.

Jalen Brunson added 21 points and four assists, while Franz Wagner led Orlando with 30 points and six assists.

With the victory, the Knicks moved to 4-0 in NBA Cup play, while the Magic dropped to 3-1. Despite the blowout loss, the Magic had enough of a positive points differential (plus-45) to ensure a berth in the quarters as well as the top second-place finisher in the Eastern Conference.

Their top competition in that regard, the Boston Celtics, finished with a plus-23 differential, while the Detroit Pistons finished at plus-seven. That means the Milwaukee Bucks will host the Magic, while the Knicks will host the Atlanta Hawks.

After the game, NBA fans and pundits praised the Knicks for securing a spot in the quarters:

Granted, all the Magic had to do to advance was not lose by 37 or more points, so it wasn't exactly a must-win game for Orlando. But that point differential actually came into play after the Knicks took a 31-point lead into the fourth quarter.

That gave an otherwise meaningless final stretch actual importance, with folks appreciating the NBA Cup in that regard:

As for the regular-season standings, the Knicks moved to 13-8 on the season, good for fifth in the Eastern Conference, while the Magic dropped to 15-8, a game ahead of the Knicks in fourth place.

Knicks' Mikal Bridges: 'I Got to Play Better' amid 4th Quarter Benching vs. Hornets

Nov 30, 2024
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 23: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz on November 23, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 23: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz on November 23, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)

The struggles for Mikal Bridges have gotten to the point that New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau kept him on the bench for the final eight minutes of Friday's 99-98 win over the Charlotte Hornets.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Bridges said bluntly "I got to play better" because he's been "inconsistent" so far this season.

"I've had some games where I've played good, some I haven't. Just got to find a rhythm within the team," he added. "That's pretty much it. Not even 20 games in, still just trying to figure it out."

Thibodeau pulled Bridges from the game with 8:25 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Knicks were trailing 82-78 at that point before closing the game strong to steal the win from a Hornets team that was playing without LaMelo Ball.

This marks the second time in the past four games that Bridges has been on the bench for most of the fourth quarter. He was pulled with 10 minutes remaining against the Utah Jazz on Nov. 23 in a game the Knicks went on to lose 121-106.

Thibodeau said after Friday's win he kept Miles McBride in the game down the stretch because he was "making shots" and the offense was "sort of in the mud" the entire game.

Even though the Knicks are only 19 games into the season, there are reasons to be concerned about where Bridges is at right now. There have already been stories written about how his shooting form has changed.

Bridges admitted he's tweaked his mechanics basically every year since entering the NBA. The results this year are very concerning because he's shooting a career-low 30.6 percent from three-point range on 6.5 attempts per game.

There has also been a lack of aggressiveness from Bridges when he gets the ball. He has attempted 13 free throws all season, despite leading the NBA in minutes per game (38.1).

In addition to Bridges' shooting woes, the Knicks built their defense around him and OG Anunoby being stoppers on the wing. They currently have the eighth-worst defensive rating in the NBA.

All of this is particularly concerning for the Knicks because they traded four unprotected first-round draft picks and an unprotected first-round pick swap to the Brooklyn Nets during the offseason to acquire Bridges.

The Knicks have won six of their last eight games to improve to 11-8 overall, fourth in the Eastern Conference, but they haven't taken the step forward most fans and analysts expected after their playoff run last season.

Jalen Brunson, Knicks Criticized by NBA Fans with Loss to Kyrie, Mavs with Luka Out

Nov 28, 2024
DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 27: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during a regular season game on November 27, 2024 at dalAmerican Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 27: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during a regular season game on November 27, 2024 at dalAmerican Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images)

An ugly first half put the New York Knicks in a hole they couldn't dig themselves out of en route to a 121-106 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday evening.

New York trailed 60-38 after shooting 26.2 percent from the field (2-of-16 from three-point range). Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges fared well (26 points on 9-of-20 shooting), but the rest of the team scored 12 points on 2-of-22 field field goals before halftime.

The Mavs coasted from there, leading by 12 or more for the entire second half. The Knicks still lost by 15 despite scoring 76 points over the final two quarters.

Brunson scored 37 points on 14-of-21 shooting (9-of-10 free throws) alongside seven assists. Karl-Anthony Towns added a 25-point, 14-rebound double-double, and Mikal Bridges added 20 points.

However, the Knicks' defense fared poorly despite the Mavs playing without superstar Luka Dončić (sprained right wrist), Klay Thompson (left foot; plantar fascia) and Daniel Gafford (illness).

Six Mavericks scored in double digits led by Naji Marshall's 24. Kyrie Irving added 23 points, and P.J. Washington added a 19-point, 10-rebound, seven-assist outing. Dallas shot 56.5 percent from the field and 17-of-33 from three.

This was a brutal effort from the inconsistent Knicks, who just crushed the host Denver Nuggets 145-118 two nights earlier.

Two evenings before the Denver game, New York lost 121-106 to the 4-13 Utah Jazz, who entered Wednesday second-last in the Western Conference.

Needless to say, this stretch is symbolic of the season.

The 10-8 Knicks still sit a respectable fourth in the Eastern Conference, but this team clearly has a lot of work to do, particularly on the defensive end. Fans weren't thrilled with the outing.

The Knicks will have Thanksgiving off before visiting the Charlotte Hornets on Friday at noon ET.

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