Knicks suffer mental fatigue from tough road schedule

The New York Knicks are feeling the strain of a demanding travel schedule. They recently completed a back-to-back series in San Antonio and Charlotte, marking their 14th and 15th games since the All-Star break. During this stretch, they have played five games across four cities in just over a week, often living out of suitcases. Head coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged the toll of the busy schedule. After a loss to the San Antonio Spurs, who were missing key players, he highlighted how challenging their travel-heavy routine has been. The Knicks lost the game 120-105, which was disappointing, especially since they had previously been performing well. The team struggled offensively, with starters missing many early shots. Josh Hart noted that mental exhaustion was also a significant factor in their performance. He emphasized that the heavy travel in the NBA makes it hard to maintain energy and focus. Despite acknowledging the tough schedule, player Karl-Anthony Towns stressed that the Knicks should not use it as an excuse. He recognized that they are a capable team but did not meet their potential in the first half of the game. The Knicks are set to fly to Charlotte after their game there. They face the Hornets next, and another loss would mean six defeats in their last nine games. Thibodeau urged his team to approach the next challenge with the right mindset. He believes that a strong mental attitude is key to overcoming their difficulties.