The New York Knicks thought the season was on the upswing. They had won the first battle of New York and followed that up with a win over the Orlando Magic. A nine-game losing streak followed by a two-game win streak brought some hope to the fanbase. However the climb back to the top was short-lived after the team got blown out by the Boston Celtics leaving everyone embarrassed.
Nine minutes into Sunday's home game saw the Knicks down 25-3. That only got worse as the team eventually suffered a total 41-point blow out to the rebuilding Boston Celtics. It was the third-worst home defeat in franchise history. After suffering through a nine-game losing streak, this is not what the players had in mind after stringing together two wins.
"What Boston came here and did was an embarrassment," Anthony said, via the New York Post. "To lose like that on our home court, I think everybody should be pissed off."
Head coach Mike Woodson put it simply, the loss was a step backwards from what the team had done the previous two games. Six Celtics players reached double-figures in points as the Knicks defense once again struggled to find an identity on defense. Overall, Boston shot 54 percent from the floor. On the other hand, three Knicks players combined to go 1-for-19.
"It's a step backwards," Woodson said. "I thought we had turned the corner somewhat. I can't have guys stepping on the floor doing what they did today. I wish I could explain it. I didn't see it coming."
Woodson is on the hot seat. Now it is just a matter of how many more losses the Knicks could put on like this before owner James Dolan opts to make a move. New York has already reportedly looked several availabilities in coaches. However, no matter how bad things get, the players continue to show loyalty to Woodson.
"It's not on him. It's on the players," Amar'e Stoudemire said. "We had a solid game plan, we just have to go out and execute."
Is there relief in sight? The team is reporting that center Tyson Chandler participated in non-contact drills and could return in the next 10 days. This comes after missing the last 15 games while recovering from a fractured leg. His presence will be extremely welcomed along with his nine rebounds per game. The Knicks are third to last in the league in defense. Chandler could be the final piece they need for a successful win streak.
