Knicks set franchise low as they drop 17th straight

The New York Knicks set a new franchise low as they fell 107-104 to the Cleveland Cavaliers in what most called the “Zion Ball”.

Boxscore

It was the 17th straight loss for the Knicks, the longest streak in history, and it was against the team that owns the second worst record in the league.

The Knicks trailed by as many as 17 early in the third quarter before going on an 11-0 run, and cut the lead to just one in the final minute after Luke Kornet‘s long three. Kornet had previously made another three but missed his third with 21 seconds left on the clock, allowing the Cavs to increase their lead to three.

John Jenkins, who was signed to a 10 days contract earlier before the tip-off, missed a three pointer in the closing seconds that could had sent the game into overtime. Dennis Smith Jr. made the rebound and tried desperately to drown a corner three as the buzzer went out but in vain.

“No one wants to lose, especially 17 in a row. Tonight would’ve been major for us if we’d have pulled it out.”

– Dennis Smith Jr.

The Knicks were led by the G-League call-up, Kadeem Allen, who had a career night, finishing with 25 points off the bench while shooting 10-16 from the field. Kevin Knox scored 13 and DeAndre Jordan was in double-double with 12 buckets and 10 boards. Smith Jr. had 10 points, same as Mitchell Robinson who came off the bench.

The Cavaliers were led by rookie Colin Sexton who scored 20 points and made the late free throws that set the final score. Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson (off the bench) added 15 points each.

Both teams are in the race for winning the lottery and both teams needed this L to increase their chances of landing top prospect Zion Williamson. In the end, the Knicks were the “lucky” ones and their odds in the world of online sportsbooks of going into draft with the first pick have certainly grown.