New York Knicks' Loss to Minnesota Timberwolves Continues Alarming Trend

The New York Knicks' Monday loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves was concerning in more ways than one.

Heading into a de facto Thanksgiving break, the New York Knicks have to be pleased with their standing at 8-6, especially after a cold 2-4 start. But they ended the pre-holiday stretch on a low note that will likely stick with them.  

With Monday's 117-100 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Knicks are now 1-5 against teams that currently hold winning records. The lone win came against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Oct. 31 ... and the Cavs immediately provided one of the losses the following night. 

In the Knicks' defense, the early schedule has been daunting, to say the least. Their game in Minneapolis was the last leg of a five-part road trip, one that began with a back-to-back between a home game at Madison Square Garden and a visit to Boston.

RJ Barrett guards Jaden McDaniels in Monday's loss in Minnesota / Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The trip was bookended by games against teams with perfect home records (Boston and Minnesota). Minnesota (10-3) is also off to its best start in years, as the 10th win tied a franchise record for most through 13 games. 

While the struggle to beat contenders is certainly something to ponder, the Knicks managed to go into Thanksgiving on a relatively high note: despite struggling on Monday in Minnesota, Julius Randle is back to shooting at an All-Star level, averaging 23.6 points on 44.7 percent from the field over the road trip. With November ending on a four-game homestand at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks' opening lineup will also be at full strength with RJ Barrett (migraines) and Quentin Grimes (wrist) returning from injury absences.

Knicks' Successful Road Trip Earns Jump in NBA Power Rankings

There's an instant opportunity for the Knicks to make a statement: the four-game stint at MSG begins with a visit from the 9-5 Miami Heat on Black Friday (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG/ESPN). It'll not only be the first meeting between the Knicks and Heat since last spring's Eastern Conference Semifinals but it'll also play a major role in deciding the fate of the East's Group B in the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament.