C-Mac: Game seven loss 'taints' Knicks season, regardless of bad injury luck

The Knicks bowed out in game seven on Sunday, falling short of the Eastern Conference Final after being routed by the Pacers, as injuries once again bit the team in the form of OG Anunoby lasting just five minutes in his return from a hamstring strain, and Jalen Brunson breaking his hand.

Many pointed to the injuries as the reason why New York finally crumbled under the weight of being so shorthanded, but C-Mac doesn’t want to hear that when it comes to this series, and game seven, as a whole.

“Undoubtedly the most enjoyable Knicks season we have had in forever…but I’m sorry, I said it when the series started, and I mean it. This loss taints this season for me,” C-Mac said. “I’m not gonna get on board with everybody mentioning all the injuries and what they overcame.

“I understand they were crippled by injuries…the New York Knicks were up 2-0. The Knicks were up 3-2, and the Knicks were blown out three of the last four games this series.”

Sure, the Knicks were shorthanded, but C-Mac says a trip to the Eastern Conference Final was still there for the taking, with a win in game seven at home being the only hurdle left to clear. To not get the job done should still be seen as a failure, regardless of the circumstances.

“We like to talk about the toughness…but this team that we pride in stepping up, that we pride in how they fight and claw, and how tough they are. I thought for sure in game seven that they would give a representative performance,” C-Mac said.

“Too many open looks. This is a disappointing end of the season, no matter how you cut it…all they had to do was show up at home for a game seven.”