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Tag: Slump

  • New York Knicks Star Gets Brutally Honest About Shooting Slump


    The New York Knicks made plenty of history amidst Monday’s mauling of the Memphis Grizzles, enough so that even two three-pointers served as a landmark.

    Karl-Anthony Towns was offered some relief amidst the 143-106 shellacking, the game’s blowout nature allowed Towns to step out after a relatively low 33 minutes and a 2-of-4 mark from three-point range was part of his 24-point showing that created yet another double-double next to his 11 rebounds.

    “Man, it’s been a struggle huh?” a cheery Towns said in the aftermath in video from SNY. “It’s been looking bad, I ain’t gonna lie to you. I’ve been worried my damn self.”

    Amidst the Knicks’ active winning streak, which reached four on Monday, Towns was struggling to maintain his career-best shooting output from three-point range (just over 43 percent). A sprained thumb that kept him out of two games stifled such progress and he was 1-of-10 in the Knicks’ prior three before the Grizzlies visit.

    Monday’s game was his first date with multiple triples since Jan. 13’s loss to Detroit. It was part of one of the most dominant scoring outputs in recent Knicks memory, as they became just the 10th team in NBA history to score at least 143 points in consecutive regulation games.

    The struggles haven’t killed Towns’ confidence, which has propelled him to his first All-Star Game starting five nomination.

    “Every day, regardless of what happens, [I keep] a shooter’s mindset. If I’m shooting, the next one’s in,” Towns said (h/t SNY). “My teammates instill a bunch of confidence in me regardless of what’s happening. I just want to reward them for that kind of trust in me. I’m happy that tonight I hit got some threes that gave ourselves more space on the offensive side.”

    Monday’s win moved the Knicks (31-16) to within a game of the Eastern Conference’s second seed currently held by Boston. Towns’ next chance to carry his momentum from the outside lands on Wednesday when the Knicks host the Denver Nuggets (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).

    Make sure you bookmark Knicks on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!





    New York Knicks Star Gets Brutally Honest About Shooting Slump

    New York Knicks fans have been left frustrated as their star player has been struggling with his shooting form in recent games. The team’s leading scorer, who is usually a reliable shooter, has been unable to find his rhythm on the court.

    In a recent interview, the player opened up about his shooting slump, admitting that it has been a mental battle for him. He shared that he has been putting in extra hours in the gym, working with the team’s coaches to try and find a solution to his shooting woes.

    “It’s been tough, really tough,” the player said. “I know I’m better than this and I owe it to my team and the fans to get back to my usual form. I just need to stay focused and keep working hard.”

    Despite his struggles, the player remains optimistic and determined to bounce back. He knows that shooting slumps are a part of the game, but he is confident that he will be able to overcome this challenge and come out stronger on the other side.

    Knicks fans are hopeful that their star player will soon find his shooting touch again and lead the team to victory. In the meantime, they continue to show their support and cheer him on as he works through this rough patch.

    Tags:

    New York Knicks, NBA, basketball, shooting slump, player interview, sports news, athlete update, professional basketball, sports commentary, New York sports, basketball star, shooting struggles, player honesty.

    #York #Knicks #Star #Brutally #Honest #Shooting #Slump

  • Karl-Anthony Towns’ shooting slump hasn’t hurt Knicks yet


    The Knicks have been rolling with five consecutive wins, even with a downturn in production from 3-point range by All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns over that span. 

    Towns had been shooting a career-best 44.9 percent from long distance through Jan. 13 before sitting out two games with a sprain and bone chip in his right thumb. 


    Karl-Anthony Towns reacts during the Knicks-Nuggets game on Jan. 29, 2025.
    Karl-Anthony Towns reacts during the Knicks-Nuggets game on Jan. 29, 2025. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

    Towns still leads all Knicks regulars at 42.4 percent, but he has missed 15 of his last 18 attempts from beyond the arc during the winning streak entering Saturday night’s home game against the Lakers, including an 0-for-4 showing in Wednesday’s win over the Nuggets. 

    Kevin McCullar Jr., the Knicks’ second-round pick (56th overall) out of Kansas, made his professional debut Thursday night for G League Westchester following a collegiate knee injury.

    The 6-foot-6 forward scored 10 points on 4-for-9 shooting in 16 minutes in a loss to the Osceola Magic. 

    “Man, after a long year, it felt good to be back out there competing!” the 23-year-old McCullar posted on X. “God is so good.” 

    Anthony Davis (abdominal strain) and Christian Wood (knee) are out for the Lakers.

    Dorian Finney-Smith (shoulder) and Gabe Vincent (knee) are questionable, while LeBron James (knee) and Rui Hachimura (calf) are probable.

    Josh Hart (right knee soreness) is listed as questionable again for the Knicks.

    Seldom-used rookie Pacome Dadiet is out with a sprained toe. 

    The Knicks’ bench has provided a nice lift during the team’s winning streak. 

    Miles McBride has netted 26 points over the past two games, with Precious Achiuwa totaling 22 and Cam Payne 18 in the wins earlier this week over the Grizzlies and the Nuggets. 

    Landry Shamet also has been a part of a nine-man rotation in all five games, notching a season-high nine points last Saturday against the Kings.



    Karl-Anthony Towns, one of the New York Knicks’ key players, has been struggling with his shooting lately. However, his shooting slump hasn’t seemed to hurt the team yet.

    Despite shooting below his usual percentages, Towns has still been contributing in other ways on the court. His rebounding, passing, and defense have all been solid, helping to make up for his lackluster shooting. Additionally, the rest of the team has been stepping up to pick up the slack and secure wins.

    While it’s important for Towns to find his shooting rhythm again, it’s reassuring to see the Knicks performing well even when one of their star players isn’t at his best. This just goes to show the depth and resilience of the team, and bodes well for their success moving forward.

    Tags:

    1. Karl-Anthony Towns shooting slump
    2. Knicks basketball update
    3. NBA news
    4. Karl-Anthony Towns performance
    5. New York Knicks update
    6. Basketball player stats
    7. Karl-Anthony Towns shooting struggles
    8. Knicks winning streak
    9. NBA player analysis
    10. Karl-Anthony Towns impact on Knicks

    #KarlAnthony #Towns #shooting #slump #hasnt #hurt #Knicks

  • Flick Demands Barca Focus More After Liga Slump


    Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said his team were lacking up to 10 percent in La Liga and he called for more focus


    FILIPE AMORIM

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    Barcelona’s recent slump in La Liga has left many fans and pundits questioning the team’s focus and commitment. The Blaugrana have struggled to find consistency in their performances, dropping points against lower-ranked teams and failing to keep up with their title rivals.

    Manager Julian Nagelsmann has been vocal about the need for his players to be more focused and disciplined on the pitch. In a recent press conference, Nagelsmann stressed the importance of maintaining high levels of concentration throughout the entire 90 minutes of a match.

    Star striker Erling Haaland echoed his manager’s sentiments, stating that the team needs to be more mentally strong and resilient in order to bounce back from their recent poor results.

    With crucial matches coming up in both La Liga and the Champions League, Barcelona cannot afford to continue dropping points. It is imperative that the players heed Nagelsmann’s demands and refocus on their goals if they want to salvage their season and compete for silverware.

    Only time will tell if Barcelona can rise to the challenge and turn their season around, but one thing is clear – the team must focus more if they want to achieve success.

    Tags:

    1. Flick
    2. Barca
    3. Focus
    4. Liga
    5. Slump
    6. Soccer
    7. Football
    8. Barcelona
    9. Bundesliga
    10. Performance

    #Flick #Demands #Barca #Focus #Liga #Slump

  • Magic look to past to find perspective in slump


    With just eight available players Tuesday night against the Raptors, the Magic dropped their fourth straight contest at Scotiabank Arena and their seventh in the last nine games.

    After opening the season 21-15 and fourth in the East, Jamahl Mosley‘s squad has fallen to 23-22 and sat eighth entering Wednesday’s slate due to a plethora of injuries to starters and key rotational players.

    But all hope is not lost for Orlando.

    Rising star forward Franz Wagner was upgraded to questionable Wednesday afternoon for the first time since he suffered a torn right abdominal muscle injury Dec. 6 at Philadelphia. He’s missed 20 games total, including 16 between Dec. 8-Jan. 12 due to the injury itself, but the last four (Jan. 15-21) because of return to competition reconditioning.

    “As a team, we’ve dealt with a lot of adversity over the years,” All-Star forward Paolo Banchero said Tuesday night in Toronto. “So it’s not something that we’re not used to. We always find a way to make it out and I’m sure this won’t be any different.

    “Even though it looks pretty bad right now, we’ll make it,” he added.

    And Banchero is right.

    The Magic have been in this position before and they know how to climb out of an injury-driven slump.

    When the start of Banchero’s rookie season was plagued by injury, the Magic began the year 5-20. Orlando got healthy and then went 29-24 over its next 53 games until the group was the final team in the East to be mathematically eliminated from the NBA Play-In Tournament.

    Then during Banchero’s sophomore campaign when the Magic were hurt with injuries again, they dropped eight out of 11 games in January after starting last season 21-15.

    Once Orlando regained roster strength, however, it won 13 of its next 16 and surged in the second half of the season to finish fifth in the East and return to the playoffs for the first time in four years.

    Knowing what they’ve gone through in the past, the Magic are aware there’s light at the end of tunnel.

    “You want to come away with the win — don’t get it confused — but there’s got to be a lesson in this loss,” coach Jamahl Mosley said Tuesday night. “A big portion of that, one, is once we get bodies back, that will be a big change. Two, we’ve got to understand what exactly was successful in that first half that leads to doing it again in the second half.”

    What they did well in the first half against the Raptors was hit 3s (shot 37.5% on 6 of 16 shooting) and limit Toronto’s trips to the free throw line (just 6 of 9).

    After the break, however, Orlando shot 3 of 15 from beyond the arc (20%) and sent the Raptors to the charity stripe 19 times (where they converted 12 free throws).

    It’s what happens when a team has just eight available players majority of the night and fatigue sets in as the contest progresses. The quality of shots drops and the room for error on defense increases.

    Beede’s Breakdown: How shorthanded Magic dropped 4th straight at Toronto

    “I can’t speak for everybody, but yeah, actually I can — It’s tough playing with eight dudes, for sure,” Magic guard Anthony Black said. “We’ve got dudes playing also battling different things. It’s definitely always an excuse you can make but just like we’re always saying, we know we’ve got enough so we’re not letting ourselves make that excuse.”

    Although Orlando isn’t one to make excuses, the group was without Franz Wagner (return to competition reconditioning), Jalen Suggs (low back strain), Goga Bitadze (concussion protocol), Gary Harris (left hamstring strain), Jett Howard (left ankle sprain), Cole Anthony (illness) and Moe Wagner (left knee torn ACL).

    It then lost Jonathan Isaac (illness) in the first quarter and saw Wendell Carter Jr. foul out with just over 3 minutes left in the contest.

    But help could be on the way as Orlando returns home to host the Trail Blazers (15-28) on Thursday.

    In addition to Franz Wagner, the Magic listed Isaac, Anthony, Howard and Harris all as questionable for the contest. Bitadze was upgraded from out to doubtful, while Suggs remains out.

    “Of course we’re happy to get our guys back when they do come back,” Black said. “But right now we’re just focused on trying to stay afloat, get rolling and get some wins going until they come back and we get back into it.”

    Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com

    Up next …

    Magic vs. Trail Blazers

    When: 7, Thursday, Kia Center

    TV: FanDuel Sports Network Florida

    Originally Published:



    The Orlando Magic have been in a bit of a slump lately, with losses piling up and frustration mounting among players and fans alike. But instead of dwelling on their current struggles, perhaps the team should look to the past for some perspective and inspiration.

    The Magic have a rich history of success, with memorable playoff runs and iconic players like Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway leading the way. By reflecting on these past achievements, the team can remind themselves of what they are capable of and reignite their competitive spirit.

    Additionally, studying the strategies and tactics of successful Magic teams of the past can provide valuable insights for the current squad. By learning from the mistakes and triumphs of those who came before them, the players can identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to get back on track.

    Ultimately, by embracing their past and drawing upon the lessons it has to offer, the Magic can find the perspective and motivation they need to break out of their slump and start winning again. It’s time to channel the magic of old and reignite the fire that once burned bright in Orlando.

    Tags:

    1. Magic basketball
    2. Orlando Magic
    3. NBA news
    4. Basketball analysis
    5. Sports slump
    6. Magic team update
    7. NBA perspective
    8. Overcoming a slump
    9. Basketball performance tips
    10. Orlando Magic history

    #Magic #find #perspective #slump

  • Devils Recent Slump Could Prove Crucial For Bruins


    With only two wins in their last eleven, the New Jersey Devils are giving the Boston Bruins an opportunity to pick up two desperately needed points in their contest Wednesday night.

    The Devils average 1.8 goals per game and 2.8 goals allowed per game, giving the Bruins the chance to capitalize on their power play, which has begun to heat up as the Devil’s power play grinds to an almost halt.

    For more, check out the video above from “Bruins Face-Off Live,” presented by EchoStor Technology.

    About the Author


    Featured image via Ed MulhollandImagn Images



    The Boston Bruins are currently sitting in a playoff spot in the competitive East Division, but they are closely trailing the New Jersey Devils, who have hit a recent slump. The Devils have lost their last five games, allowing the Bruins to gain ground in the standings.

    This slump could prove crucial for the Bruins, as they look to secure their spot in the playoffs. With only a few games left in the regular season, every point matters. If the Devils continue to struggle, the Bruins could potentially overtake them and secure a higher seed in the playoffs.

    The Bruins have been playing strong hockey as of late, with key players stepping up and contributing to the team’s success. If they can continue their winning ways and take advantage of the Devils’ struggles, they could find themselves in a better position heading into the postseason.

    While the Devils may still have time to turn things around, their recent slump could prove to be a turning point in the season. The Bruins will be looking to capitalize on this opportunity and make a strong push towards the playoffs.

    Tags:

    1. NHL news
    2. Boston Bruins
    3. New Jersey Devils
    4. Hockey analysis
    5. NHL standings
    6. Playoff implications
    7. Team performance
    8. Bruins vs Devils matchup
    9. NHL updates
    10. Sports commentary

    #Devils #Slump #Prove #Crucial #Bruins

  • Jayson Tatum scores 30 as Celtics break out of shooting slump in 121-94 win over Magic


    BOSTON (AP) — Jayson Tatum scored 30 points and the Boston Celtics ran past the Orlando Magic 121-94 on Friday night.

    With freshman star Cooper Flagg and his Duke teammates looking on from the stands, Tatum, a former Blue Devils standout, went 12 of 21 from the floor to help Boston break out of a recent shooting slump. No. 3 Duke plays at Boston College on Saturday.

    Boston shot a season-best 61% in the first half and took a 12-point lead into halftime. The Celtics shot 53% on the night, including 46% from 3-point range, and led by 27 in the second half. Kristaps Porzingis finished with 23 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Jaylen Brown added 20.

    Cole Anthony led Orlando with 23 points, and Paolo Banchero scored 21.

    Takeaways

    Magic: Banchero was inadvertently hit in the face by Porzingis on a block attempt. Banchero briefly stayed down and was attended to by trainers, but was able to remain in the game.

    Celtics: Started fast and dictated the flow on offense throughout, something they struggled to do consistently while losing seven of their previous 14 games.

    Key moment

    Orlando scored the first five points of the third quarter to get within 66-59. Boston responded with an 8-0 run and outscored the Magic 30-22 in the period to take control.

    Key stat

    The Celtics entered shooting an NBA-worst 28% from the 3-point line in their previous five games. They found their range against the Magic, going 9 of 15 from beyond the arc in the first half and 17 of 37 for the game.

    Up next

    The Magic host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. The Celtics host the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.

    ___

    AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba



    In a much-needed offensive explosion, Jayson Tatum led the Boston Celtics to a dominant 121-94 victory over the Orlando Magic. Tatum poured in 30 points, including five three-pointers, as the Celtics finally broke out of their shooting slump.

    The Celtics had been struggling on the offensive end in recent games, but Tatum’s performance, along with strong contributions from Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart, propelled them to a season-high point total. Brown added 20 points, while Smart chipped in with 15 points and six assists.

    The Celtics also stepped up defensively, holding the Magic to just 94 points on 39% shooting. They forced 17 turnovers and turned them into 24 points on the other end.

    This win was a much-needed confidence boost for the Celtics, who had dropped three of their last four games. With Tatum leading the way, they showed that they are capable of putting up big numbers and getting back on track.

    Next up, the Celtics will look to build on this win as they take on the Atlanta Hawks in their next game. If Tatum can continue his scoring outburst and the rest of the team can follow suit, the Celtics will be a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.

    Tags:

    1. Jayson Tatum
    2. Celtics
    3. Shooting slump
    4. Win
    5. Magic
    6. NBA
    7. Basketball
    8. Game recap
    9. Player performance
    10. Boston Celtics

    #Jayson #Tatum #scores #Celtics #break #shooting #slump #win #Magic

  • Dalton Knecht Still Confident In Ability Despite Recent Shooting Slump

    Dalton Knecht Still Confident In Ability Despite Recent Shooting Slump


    Bench production was an area of concern coming into the 2024-25 season for the Los Angeles Lakers. There have been improvements since the start of the year though as D’Angelo Russell and Dalton Knecht have been two players that have been relied on heavily off the bench.

    However, Knecht in particular has struggled mightily as of late to find consistency in his shooting. As is the case for rookies, they tend to struggle more on the road compared to being at home and the No. 17 overall pick simply needed a big game to get back on track.

    He got that on Christmas Day as the former Tennessee Volunteer scored 13 points and seven rebounds on 5-for-9 from the field. Before that game, Knecht had not scored in double figures since Dec. 6 against the Atlanta Hawks and for a scorer of his caliber, that must have been a tough stretch.

    However, he took the time to acknowledge the kind of player he is and to thank his teammates and coaches for continuing to express confidence in him whenever he is out on the floor.

    “To be honest, I really don’t care about makes or misses. I know that I’m a really good shooter,” Knecht said after practice on Friday. “No matter what, if I’m open or someone contests, I’m going to shoot it. My teammates got confidence, JJ [Redick] has been saying that he has confidence in me to go out there and shoot it. So, I’m just going to keep shooting those shots.”

    As mentioned, playing in hostile environments has not treated Knecht well up to this point. But it was impressive that he put up a bounce-back performance in San Francisco in his first Christmas Day game. The rookie spoke to what it meant to play on a stage of that magnitude.

    “I’d say it’s a dream come true,” Knecht said. “I think every single one of us dreamed of playing on Christmas Day. You know, my first year in the NBA, I get to play on Christmas. It was special, I know it was special for my family as well.”

    It is also worth mentioning is that the Lakers-Warriors matchup is already being slotted as one of the best and highest-rated Christmas Day games ever. Seeing how LeBron James and Stephen Curry went toe to toe, Knecht’s performance off the bench while missing Russell and Anthony Davis was greatly needed.

    Hopefully, putting together a quality game of that magnitude, given the stage, is what propels the 23-year-old into finding his rhythm once again.

    Dalton Knecht Rookie of the Year odds move with Jared McCain injury

    Up to this point, it felt like Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard Jared McCain was running away with the Rookie of the Year given his scoring outputs. Unfortunately, McCain suffered a torn meniscus, sidelining him for an extended period.

    Now, odds have shifted opening the door for Lakers guard Dalton Knecht to re-insert himself into the race for this elusive award.

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