Apparently the Knicks were due for a stinker. This was it. Was it the thin air? Was it bad officiating? Was it starting a wet turd at point guard? Who’s to say, really?

One paragraph to describe the game

This game sucked. The Knicks came out and got three fouls and a tech called on them in the first 30 seconds. It was all downhill from there, including managing single digit points for the majority of the first quarter. Rinse this one off and pretend it didn’t happen.

Game ball

Elfrid Payton: 12 points, 5 assists, 2 turnovers

Obviously the Knicks losing this game wasn’t all on Payton. The whole team sucked. But there were a couple of times where the Knicks got the score within 20 points or so, where a comeback might have been reasonably attainable. Payton did his best to squash those moments and keep the Knicks in the cellar.

Big stat

28-7. That’s what the score was at the 2:47 mark in the first quarter. Please don’t make me say any more.

Unsung hero

Nerlens Noel: 5 points, 5 rebounds, 6 blocks — the blocks were basically the only fun highlights

Other significant performances

Nobody. Nobody deserves the highlight treatment. Play better next game.