The New York Knicks showcased their potential against the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading for most of the game before succumbing in the fourth quarter, ultimately losing 117-107. This defeat ended their nine-game winning streak while the Thunder extended their own to 14. Despite holding a solid net rating, the Knicks struggle late in games, primarily due to fatigue as their starters logged heavy minutes compared to Oklahoma City's balanced rotation.
Jalen Brunson and the Knicks' core performed admirably, yet their lack of bench support became evident as they managed only five points from reserves. This fatigue issue, compounded by their reliance on a few key players, raises concerns about their ability to compete against deeper teams like the Thunder and Celtics.