They came awfully close to breaking their losing streak, but the Knicks dropped their sixth straight with a heartbreaking loss to the Thunder in Oklahoma City. Raymond Felton rimmed out three attempts to help the Knicks steal a win in the final minute, allowing OKC back into a a game the Knicks once led by 9. Everybody knew where the ball was going when the Thunder had possession with the game tied, and solid defense by Danilo Gallinari couldn't stop Kevin Durant from draining a game-winning three as time expired.
New York got out to a splendid start. Though they struggled to keep Oklahoma City off the offensive glass, crisp ball movement, solid perimeter defense , and a big boost from Danilo Gallinari, who scored 18 points and kept Durant in check, had the Knicks up 60-53 at halftime. Oklahoma City buckled down on defense in the second half, though, and New York went away from Gallo in favor of more two-man action with Felton and Amar'e Stoudemire. Stoudemire was once again stifled by multiple defenders while Felton and Wilson Chandler (both of whom have shot very poorly in January) couldn't connect from outside. More second chances and a rejuvenated Durant pulled the Thunder even, and when Felton's tough misses down the stretch exposed the Knicks, the OKC star ripped out their hearts.
It was, all told, a tiring, heart-wrenching defeat. The Knicks now head home for their best bid to break the streak, as they'll face the Washington Wizards, who are still winless on the road.
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