The New York Knicks lost to a injury riddled Utah Jazz team, that came into play with a record of 7-16. The Utah Jazz would take the court without John Collins, Jordan Clarkson, and their electric rookie guard Keyonte Gearge, who would only record 3 minutes before having to leave the ball game. All these things would suggest the Knicks would cruise to an easy victory, but that would not be the case. The Knicks would get off to a commanding lead led by Julius Randle who would top all scorers with a 32 point effort. In spite his effort, the Knicks would fall behind in the second quarter, and if not for a late push in the fourth the Knicks would’ve lost rather convincingly.

New York had an opportunity to tie up the ballgame late but would fall, short after two missed three point attempts by Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson. Kelly Olynyk would secure the rebound, cash 1 of 2 free-throws and that would be all they needed to solidify the victory.

Defensive keys 

The Knicks were outrebounded by 7 tonight and were severely feeling the void of Mitch Robinson, who will be out 8-10 weeks with an ankle injury.  Mitchell Robinson gave is there #1 rim stopper and has given them a presence on the defensive/offensive boards. The return of Utah’s second year Center Walter Kessler was a good contributor to them owning the post. He scored 9 points, 8 rebounds, and had a game high 3 blocks in his first game back from injury. Albeit, in a winning effort the Knicks are coming off a game vs. the Raptors where they gave up 130 points. They will have to find a way to defend the rim better. The Knicks signed veteran Taj Gibson to shore up their hole on the inside, but he will likely not play all that often.

Offensive Woes

Offensively RJ Barrett only would only manage to score 9 points on 18% shooting from the field. Justifiably so, he was not apart of New York’s end of the game rotation. Jalen Brunson would finish with 23 points, and contributed some important buckets late in the game. However, he would only shoot 31% from the field, missing all 6 of his 3 point attempts. He would also miss some pivotal free-throws. Quentin Grimes started the game on the bench after struggling the last few weeks, and would contribute little to nothing offensively overall.

Boy that Jazz-Knicks box score has a lot of familiar names.
Grimes (2 points on 1/4)
Barrett (9 pts on 3/16)
McBride (DNP-CD)
Fournier (DNP-CD)

It's really a shame the Jazz had to settle for the inferior Markkanen, Sexton, Agbaji, 3 picks & 2 swaps offer.

— Ken Clayton (@k_clayt) December 14, 2023

Conclusion

This was not the way New York wanted to start their West Coast trip, especially being that the shorthanded Jazz was by far the easiest of all the opponents they have coming up. The Knicks will need to clean up better on the boards, and defend stronger at the point of attack. The Knicks have shot fairly well from 3, and one would speculate this was just an off night for them. It would also appear New York has officially transitioned to a starting  role for Donte DiVincenzo in lieu of Quentin Grimes This move should help them spread the floor better. Their next few games consist of a Phoenix Suns team (tonight) who is finally healthy, the LA Clippers on Saturday, and the LA Lakers at the top of next week on Monday.