New York Knicks Officially Clinch Another Losing Season

The New York Knicks have clinched the dubious honor of a fourth consecutive losing season.

The latest loss by the New York Knicks to their town rivals the Brooklyn Nets not only pushed their non-existent playoff hopes out of reach, but clinched yet another losing season.

The 42nd loss of the season was similar to the others before it, filled with bad defense and blowing leads at home. The Nets, for the second time in five days, scored at least 120 points on New York, converting several key three-point baskets.

A packed Madison Square Garden crowd with the look and feel of an NCAA March Madness atmosphere wasn’t enough to push the ailing Knicks, who played the game without Kristaps Porzingis, who was still recovering from the contused left thigh suffered in Tuesday’s win.

Porzingis has continuously scoffed at the idea of sitting out games purposely in order to “tank” and help draft positioning, as he explained to reporters.

"“If I’m healthy I want to be out there. I’m already feeling better, So just one or two more days.”“This is the tough part now, to finish the season. For me, the mindset is just going out there every day and giving my all. That way once the season is over you have no feeling of regret.”"

The team continues to spiral downward with more questions than answers after every game, leading to more tanking talk than playoffs over the past month. All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony shared his frustration on not only the game, but the disappointing season with reporters.

"“This year it was a little bit disappointing due to the talent that we have in this locker room, on this team, For some reason we just couldn’t get it together and get it going.”"

In regards to Anthony’s role moving forward for the final few games he expressed to the media uncertainty as well and plans to continue playing every game the same until told otherwise.

"“I can’t speak for everybody, you’re going to have to ask those guys, But for me it’s my duty to just — regardless of what’s the situation — just go out there and play and figure it out and try to win. Until they say don’t play no more or limit our minutes or things like that. We still have to go out there and play and finish the season out.”"

All four of the consecutive losing seasons have come under team president Phil Jackson‘s watch, continuing to fan the flames of an already controversial tenure. Jackson will be judged heavily not just on the upcoming draft, but the importance of the Knicks projected lottery selection.

Players have already voiced their options on the rest of the season and head coach Jeff Hornacek was unsure of his role as well when speaking with reporters earlier in the week.

"“Everybody’s frustrated with the way the season went, So we’ve got to look at it as, not just giving up on this season and hey, counting the days down. You still play and if you’re a professional, you have pride and you go out there and play every game like it’s meaningful.”“The playoffs may not be in reach, but this could (be a time) for some of our other guys who might get some time to show what they really can do and build something for next year.”"

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The Knicks are in a position to use these final games down the stretch to see what value they truly have in young players like Chasson Randle and Ron Baker. It just doesn’t help anyone to put Porzingis at risk for more injury or taint any offseason trade value of Anthony.