The New York Knicks offense sputtered in Jalen Brunson’s absence.
Their remaining star Julius Randle struggled offensively, and his frustrations boiled over in a momentum-shifting technical foul that allowed the Los Angeles Clippers to run away with a 106-95 win on Saturday.
The Knicks’ third straight loss dropped them behind to sixth in the Eastern Conference behind their crosstown rivals Brooklyn Nets (38-29).
Without Brunson’s calming leadership, Randle relapsed again, with his emotions getting the best of him as he did last season.
The Knicks appeared headed into the fourth quarter on top when Randle inadvertently elbowed Clippers backup big Mason Plumlee in a rebound battle.