We’ve reached the time of the NBA year where teams must finally be fully realistic about whether they’re a playoff team or a lottery squad. As for the Knicks, here’s NY Newsday reporting:
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Jeff Hornacek is no longer saying the Knicks can make a playoff run. The Knicks coach conceded the race is just about over and it’s time to start building for next season.
But Tuesday night the Knicks looked like they were playing for something, especially in the second half. They erased a 10-point third-quarter deficit, held Indiana to 29-second points and earn an 87-81 win over the Pacers at Madison Square Garden.
Carmelo Anthony scored 15 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Knicks (27-41). Derrick Rose added 16 and Willy Hernangomez had 13 and 16 rebounds.
Kristaps Porzingis left the game in the fourth quarter with a bruised left leg and didn’t return.
The Knicks remain in 12th place in the East, six games out of the final spot with 14 to play. They’re not mathematically eliminated, but they’ve been showing signs of being mentally done for a long time.
