Hot Shooting Nets Too Much for Knicks to Handle

While Head Coach Mike D’Antoni switched point guards in the starting lineup, the New York Knicks fell behind early and were unable to recover against the hot-shooting Nets in a 115-89 decision at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.

The loss, in which the Knicks watched their division rival shoot 70 percent from the field through the final three quarters, came directly after going 3-2 on a road trip that helped them move just two games out of the playoff picture.

Now, the Knicks are sitting three games back of the eighth and final playoff spot with 15 left to play. New Jersey, Milwaukee, Chicago and Charlotte are standing between them and a postseason berth for the first time in five years.

“It’s like a train wreck. You don’t see it coming. It happens,” said D’Antoni, whose team fell to 28-39 on the season. “Now we have to pick up the pieces and we have to go on. We have Sacramento coming in on Friday and then we got Orlando for a couple back-and-forth. Like I said, our whole focus is getting to 37 and we have to get there.”

While the Knicks were starting a streak of five of their next six at home, the Nets were playing the finale of a five-game trip that began 0-4. But after Vince Carter went off for 19 straight Nets points during a stretch that began late in the first quarter, New Jersey gained the momentum and never looked back.

Al Harrington led the Knicks with 22 points on 10-of-16 shooting. Meanwhile, Robinson added 18 while David Lee failed to reach a double-double for just the second time in 30 games.

“It’s frustrating,” said Duhon, who had six points and three assists in his return from a two-game absence with a sore lower back. “Obviously, to come back in front of these fans and lay an egg, especially against a team that is right there competing with us for that last spot.”

Duhon said he could have played through his injury the last two games but felt it would be best to rest for the final stretch of the season. His first steps of getting back in game shape and regaining chemistry with his teammates came in a reserve role for the first time as a Knick.

“I do think we function better when Chris is 100 percent and he’s a starter and Nate comes off the bench. I do like that dynamic,” D’Antoni said prior to the game. “But right now because Nate’s playing so well and Chris’ back is a little this and that, maybe it’s better to make this change.”

The Knicks were also missing the normal energy provided by Danilo Gallinari, who continues to battle back problems of his own. The rookie forward is currently in his native Italy seeking additional medical opinion on his nagging injury. He is expected to return to New York before Monday.