New York Knicks: Kings decree draft and irrelevant playoff notes

The New York Knicks fell to the Sacramento Kings, 115-108, to achieve their 51st loss of the 2018-19 season.

The New York Knicks were up late on the west coast Monday night — playing the second of a three-game road trip in the Pacific Time Zone. It started with a blowout via the Los Angeles Clippers and, while this game against the Sacramento Kings was closer, it still came with issues and resulted in a loss, 115-108.

Allonzo Trier led a one-man show for the Knicks, scoring 29 points off the bench, including 3-of-4 from three-point range — a boost and improvement from his previous showings. Dennis Smith Jr. added his own 18 points but in a quieter 28 minutes.

Otherwise, contributions were sporadic. Mitchell Robinson fouled out in 18 minutes; Emmanuel Mudiay‘s streak of positive showings ended; Henry Ellenson was quiet; Kevin Knox had 11 points but missed just two shots.

All this contributed to the Knicks’ 51st loss, which officially eliminated them from playoff contention. That’s even after an 18-game losing streak and dropping 18 straight at home.

Hypothetically, they could have won out and finished the season at 32-50, but other East teams had to lose almost every game to make this happen. Unrealistic, of course, but interesting this possibility even existed on March 4.

Moving to 13-51 also dropped the Knicks to the NBA’s worst record, which fans might make the biggest takeaway of the night.

The Phoenix Suns, previously owning this title, won two straight games, including against the spiraling Los Angeles Lakers. They are 14-51 and sit a half-game ahead of the Knicks.

It makes for perfect timing, as the Knicks and Suns will face off in Phoenix on Wednesday — a game that will have implications on the final standings and where these teams eventually land in the draft lottery. Both might own even 14-percent odds in May, but whoever has the worst record can only fall to fifth in the final order.

This is, perhaps, the most interesting game left on the Knicks’ schedule, and could make for a social media event late Wednesday night.

• Luke Kornet received the start at center, sending Lance Thomas to the bench. All six of his field goal attempts were from behind the arc.
• For now, Noah Vonleh is back in David Fizdale’s good graces. He topped the 30 minute benchmark for the first time since Feb. 1.
• John Jenkins did not play via coach’s decision.
• While Robinson could use a start down the line, games like this still represent the work needed in his development, which has moved miles ahead since the Kristaps Porzingis trade.

The New York Knicks and Suns will battle on Wednesday, Mar. 6 at 9:00 p.m. ET.