The Knicks took another hit Wednesday night in a 126-113 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Most recently, point guard Cameron Payne left the game after rolling his ankle, as the injury plague continues to spread for the team. Both new starter Jalen Brunson and backup Deuce McBride already are out. Now, of course, with Payne’s injury, the Knicks are down to their fourth-string point guard.
Before his trade-in transaction to another squad prevailed, Payne was on fire on the court and making a difference. He added 15 points on remarkable 6-of-9 shooting in only 18 minutes. His encouraging performance was derailed after injuring his ankle. This occurred immediately after he made a shot in the opening period.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau disclosed that he had not yet consulted with the team's medical staff to determine the severity of Payne's injury or how long he might be out of action.
"Injuries always suck, and for some reason we just keep getting smacked with them at the same position," said Josh Hart, expressing the team's frustration over the recurring setbacks.
Payne’s injury is particularly unfortunate news for the Knicks. They are continuing to battle to search for that elusive consistency when facing the league’s elite. As time runs short between now and the start of the postseason, the team has continued to address major challenges in their lineup.
In response to Payne's exit, Thibodeau entrusted rookie Tyler Kolek with leading the team's offense. Kolek has looked good as a ballhandler, averaging seven assists in the game. All of that excitement was tempered in the third quarter as his defensive flaws were highlighted while pointing out the obvious improvement areas.
All the Knicks can do is contend with this reality over the course of what’s left of their season, including moving forward without Payne. The reality is, the team has to adjust and sort out these challenges on a daily basis. Their chances to make a run at a playoff spot rest on it.
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