Overview
- The Knicks, who fell 111-94 to the Rockets on Tuesday in Houston, are on a three-game losing streak and sit at 48-28.
- New York has clinched a top-six playoff berth but is holding the No. 3 spot by a slim margin with Cleveland close behind.
- Team leaders pressed the alarm, with Josh Hart labeling Wednesday’s visit to Memphis a must-win as Jalen Brunson cited late-season mental lapses and Mike Brown faulted soft pick-and-roll defense and a lack of physicality.
- Houston shot 53.8% from the field and 42.9% from three, Kevin Durant scored 27 points, and Jalen Brunson was held to 12 on 5-for-14 shooting.
- Analysts warn that weak perimeter coverage and actions targeting Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns could undercut playoff plans unless New York tightens its scheme and rotations soon.