New York Knicks lose back-to-back games against the Thunder and the Bulls: Tom Thibodeau’s unforced errors

The New York Knicks lost both games of a back-to-back, starting against the Oklahoma City Thunder and ending with the Chicago Bulls. The Knicks led throughout the first halves of both games, only to run out of steam. They looked fatigued, and it’s hard to blame them.

The Knicks overwhelmed OKC in a 66-point first half. Wingstop led the way, with Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby controlling both sides of the court. But the Thunder’s vaunted defense kicked into gear in the second half. The Thunder went ballistic from three and put the game out of reach 117-107.

One day later, the Knicks lost the same way. They controlled the first half, leading by nine after two quarters. But, their offense stagnated, while the Bulls exploded from deep. New York’s start looked exhausted, and Karl-Anthony Towns left the game with an apparent knee injury. The Bulls closed 139-126, leaving the Knicks tired and defeated.

I’ve argued that the Knicks have more depth, but it can’t show without Tom Thibodeau trusting his bench. Thibs’ tired starters couldn’t keep up their intensity, and I place both losses firmly on the shoulders of their coach.

Let’s look at the performers in these tough losses.