The loss to the Cavaliers was the worst for Tom Thibodeau since he became the coach of New York in 2020. On Sunday, the Boston Celtics led the Knicks for the majority of the conte

Sunday's 118-105 decision dropped them to 0-7 against the leading squads of the NBA (Boston, Cleveland, Oklahoma City) and their first instance of consecutive lost games since Jan. 3-6. A tense afternoon became downright horrifying when Karl-Anthony Towns limped to TD Garden's visitors' bench as Boston began its final push forward to victory.

So until further notice, the Knicks can’t be classified as contenders. They’re too far below the Celtics and Cavaliers to be taken seriously. Sunday was just the latest example. In three games against Boston, they’ve been outscored by 63 points and struggle to defend the 3-point line.

It’s again the hot-button topic with Thibodeau, who has always eschewed load management while elevating his teams to regular-season heights above expectations.

The past three days were a harsh reality check for the New York Knicks. Facing the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers and second-seeded Boston Celtics, New York suf

New York Knicks' Miles McBride (2) passes the ball to Karl-Anthony Towns (32) against Boston Celtics' Al Horford, left, and Derrick White (9) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) AP