On Monday night, the Golden State Warriors fell short against the New York Knicks, 119–11. After defeating the Los Angeles Lakers on the road last weekend, the Dubs are still more exhibiting the characteristics of a middling club than one that is capable of winning a championship and playing to its maximum potential.

With the motivation that comes from playing LeBron James, maybe a letdown is to be expected, but the Knicks had 40 wins going into the game. The Knicks have been a more reliable and formidable opponent thus far this season, despite all of the justifiable jabs at James Dolan and the team’s incompetence. The Dubs paid the price for not treating them with the decency they deserved—possibly as a result of Julius Randle and OG Anunoby being benched.

Early in the first quarter, the Knicks took the lead and used their offensive prowess to hold off the Warriors for the remainder of the period. With a game-high 34 points, Jalen Brunson took the lead, but Miles McBride also made a significant contribution with 29 points in 47 minutes of play. Josh Hart finished the game with ten points, eleven rebounds, and eleven assists, recording a triple-double.

Conversely, the starting lineup for the Warriors was significantly less effective. The only starter to score in double digits in any statistical category was Jonathan Kuminga, who finished with 27 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Steph Curry scored 26 points. Even though Chris Paul, Klay Thompson, and Trayce Jackson-Davis all had strong bench performances, the team’s sluggish start could not be made up for.

The Warriors eventually tightened up their defense in the fourth quarter, limiting the Knicks to just 20 points. But Golden State was unable to capitalize because of their own scoring problems, which returned. The Warriors, who are currently 35-32 on the season, will take a day off before visiting the Grizzlies on Wednesday.