Westchester Knicks eliminated from postseason following 122-120 loss to Agua Caliente Clippers

The Westchester Knicks and Agua Caliente Clippers traded baskets in the first quarter. Louis King was lighting it up in the early stages of the game, as he had eight of the team’s first 16 points and made two three-pointers. Ignas Brazdeikis made an impact early on with his passing with three assists in the first five and half minutes. The score was tied at 28 after one quarter of play.

The Clippers built themselves a lead in the second and third quarters, while closing out the third frame on a 10-3 run. Agua Caliente held a 12-point lead, 90-78, after three quarters.

Westchester was down 100-86 at the midway point of the final quarter. J.J. Moore helped the team cut their deficit by scoring 12 points in a three minute stretch and made it a seven-point game with 3:23 left. Ignas Brazdeikis scored the next eight points and made it a 110-108 with 50.9 seconds left in the quarter.

In the final minute, the Knicks fouled the Clippers on four separate occasions. When Westchester had their chance on offense, the team drained three triples (two from Tyler Hall and one from Jared Harper) and Brazdeikis made two free throws. With 2.8 seconds left, Brazdeikis was at the line for two free throws. He made the first and missed the second, which almost led to a tip-in from Festus Ezeli. The tip-in didn't go down and the Knicks dropped Thursday night’s game to the Clippers, 122-120.

Ignas Brazdeikis led Westchester with 22 points (8/17 FG), eight assists, eight rebounds and two steals. Jared Harper finished with 20 points and four assists. Louis King recorded 15 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals.

Tyler Hall put up 15 points (5/9 3PT) and four assists. J.J. Moore totaled 15 points (3/6 3PT). Skal Labissiere finished with 13 points and five rebounds. Bryce Brown recorded 10 points (2/3 3PT), five assists and three steals. Simi Shittu finished with 10 points (5/11 FG) and six rebounds.

Westchester dished out 30 assists on 47 field goals made, while connecting on 40.5 percent (17/42) from beyond the arc. The Knicks’ bench outscored the Clippers, 43-25.

Westchester is 6-8 and have lost their last four games. With the loss to Agua Caliente, the Knicks have been eliminated from the G League playoffs.

The Knicks are back in action on Friday against the Erie BayHawks in their final game of the 2020-21 season. The game will be at 3:30pm on ESPN+ and MSG.