NEW YORK — Kyle O’Quinn and Maurice Ndour passed reporters head-down, like disguised bank robbers headed for the getaway van. Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek took nearly twice the usual time to appear for his post-game press conference.
Carmelo Anthony was nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, reporters combed through the locker room like bloodhounds.
That’s because after Hornacek announced pregame only Mindaugas Kuzminskas (stomach flu) would sit out, starting point guard Derrick Rose was a no-show for New York’s 110-96 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans (15-24) on Monday — the team’s eighth loss in their last nine games.