Playing Shorthanded
The New York Knicks were out with three players that are key in their nine man rotation. Power forward Obi Toppin is still recovering from a leg injury and point guard Jalen Brunson did not play Tuesday night due to a hip injury. Small forward RJ Barrett only played two minutes as he suffered a finger laceration. The Knicks were playing shorthanded against a very talented and well-coached Dallas Mavericks team.
Eight-man rotation
Due to being shorthanded, head coach Tom Thibodeau decided to use a eight man rotation. The Knicks could have used Evan Fournier and Cam Reddish instead of burning out his players especially towards the end. Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes, and Deuce McBride each played a career-high in minutes of 51, 48, and 46 each looking gassed.
Luka Tip Poor Execution
With 4.2 seconds left in regulation and the Knicks up two, Jericho Sims should have been in the game instead of Quickley or McBride for rebounding purposes. Due to not having a big man on the court, Luka Doncic was able to get a put back layup to send it into overtime.
No Five Second Call
On an inbound late in the fourth quarter, Doncic should have been called for a five-second violation. However, the referee slows down his count allowing Doncic to inbound the ball. He on that possession got an and one even though there was no contact.
Awful Jump Ball Call
With 24.5 seconds left in regulation, Grimes gets double teamed by Doncic and Dwight Powell, trying to force a turnover. However, even though Doncic has his arm hooked underneath Grimes’ which is a foul. However, the officials called a jump ball.
Star Players Getting Bailed Out
In the loss against the Raptors, Pascal Siakam had as many free throws attempted as the Knicks with 18. In the loss on Christmas to the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid had 15 free throws attempted to the Knicks 17. The loss on Tuesday night, Doncic had 22 free throws attempted while the Knicks had 24. Stars are getting bailed out by their name and superstar talent, which brings them to the free throw line as much as teams.