NEW YORK -- The New York Knicks' comeback attempt on Sunday came up short when they couldn’t get a defensive stop in the final minutes of their 103-99 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers

The Knicks overcame a double-digit, fourth-quarter deficit to take a lead with three minutes to play. But LaMarcus Aldridge torched them for six points in the final two minutes to help the Blazers take the lead and seal the win.

New York has lost eight straight and is 4-18. That is the worst record through 22 games in franchise history.

Melo off late: Carmelo Anthony had 23 points on 9-for-19 shooting but missed three of his last four shots when the Knicks needed a basket. The Knicks have struggled late in close games all season, having lost seven of their last eight by less than seven points.

In their past five losses, they have been within one score of the opposition with under five minutes to play.

Banged around on the boards: The Knicks have been beat up on the offensive boards all season -- and Sunday was no aberration.

Portland outrebounded the Knicks, 16-4, on the offensive end. Robin Lopez pulled down a critical rebound on the Blazers’ final possession to help them seal the win. Aldridge finished with 25 points and Damian Lillard had 20.

Question: Why do you think the Knicks can’t execute down the stretch of close games?

You can follow Ian Begley on Twitter.