The new additions to the Knicks roster were no match for the Grizzlies Gasol and Conley, tying a franchise record of 13 consecutive losses.

The New York Knicks scored a season-low of 84 points in their loss to the Memphis Grizzlies (21-33). Dennis Smith Jr. and DeAndre Jordan started in their first game for the Knicks (10-42) and gave the squad some interesting skills in exchange of the ones utilized by Tim Hardaway Jr. and Trey Burke, the principle combo given up in the trade.

Starting the game with a Smith Jr. layup and a Jordan block was a smart way to earn Knicks fans’ support early in their tenure. It’ll be a long road until the end of the season, and any entertainment along the way is welcomed cheer in a season that has been filled with boos.

Similar to the last game, six of the Knicks’ first seven field goal makes were assisted. An interesting wrinkle is that of the six, Jordan and Noah Vonleh each had two apiece. However, the nine turnovers in the half diminish the points gained in those early minutes.

 

DSJ’s Debut

Dennis Smith Jr., the newly acquired point guard, showed off by getting to the rim and dishing to his teammates, familiar and unfamiliar, with fervor. His speed allowed him to push the pace, a tenet of Fizdale’s philosophy, in order to keep the Grizzlies on their toes. Smith Jr. only scored eight points, but the one play that stood out was a drive and dish to Knox for a corner three. It could be a staple for the team down the stretch, and maybe longer.

Wesley “Headband” Matthews

Wesley Matthews must have had a conversation with Knicks brass before the game, because his 0-for-5 start was a great help for the tank. Matthews came off the bench, but still made sure to do his part to help ensure that Zion Williamson becomes a Knick. His shots weren’t just missing, they were missing badly. He ended the game shooting 1-for-7 from three and 2-of-8 overall.

The Longer-Tenured Fiz Kids

Luke Kornet, on the other hand, had a strong first half. Returning from injury, Kornet shot 2-4 from beyond the arc and notched two blocks, showing an elite combination reminiscent of a European big who will not be mentioned in this household.

Kevin Knox struggled to get it going early, bricking often, and no other starter had much of a knack for scoring either. While Knox started off the first quarter with bad shooting numbers, things seemed to pick up in the last minutes of the second quarter. In that span, he made two free throws, a three-point field goal, and a slam that ended the first half.  Knox ended with a team-high 17 points on 5-of-18 shooting. This slam was nice though.

The Knicks had one field goal in the first five minutes of the second half, but luckily garbage time legend Mario Hezonja was there to pick up the pieces. He ended the game on 5-of-8 shooting, two consecutive turnovers that were completely avoidable, and a subsequent three-pointer that ended the first quarter. Never change, Mario.

Although the Grizzlies are clearly out of the playoff picture and have only two over-the-hump stars in Marc Gasol and Mike Conley, they still destroyed the Knicks. Gasol especially had the Knicks’ number, hitting jumper after jumper no matter who defended him. The seven-foot Spaniard couldn’t be stopped. He ended the night shooting 11-for-19, while Conley ended up with 25 points, seven assists, three steals, and eight rebounds.

In all honesty, this Sunday matinee wasn’t all that entertaining. It barely serves as an appetizer for the Super Bowl. The loss ties the Knicks’ longest losing streak at 13 games, and marks their 14th consecutive home loss. They probably won’t turn it around, but if these new acquisitions can at least make the games fun, then fans should be all for it. The Knicks take on the Pistons on Tuesday. Hopefully, there will be some interesting action to keep folks on the edge of their seats.