Knicks lose to lowly Kings

Midway through the third quarter of tonight's game against the Sacramento Kings the Knicks held on to a modest  three point lead.  Leading for much of the game up until that point,  the Knicks once again allowed a team to creep its way back into a game they should have closed out.  Tonight's game in so many ways is a reflection of the Knicks season thus far.  A young team lacking chemistry came into MSG and outplayed the Knicks down the stretch.  A game New York desperately needed to make the playoffs.

Jimmer Fredette torched the Knicks for a career high 24 points tonight.  The New York native connected on six of his eight attempts from downtown and made the Knicks pay for leaving him open.  Isaiah Thomas poured in 20 points and seven assist continuing his stellar play this season. 

Carmelo Anthony finished with 36 points and 11 rebounds.  His hot shooting start cooled off and the Knicks struggled to score down the stretch.  Carmelo scored only four points after the third quarter.  He appeared to be fatigued missing an easy layup to open the overtime period. 

The one bright spot for New York going forward tonight was the play of Amar'e Stoudemire.  Stoudemire scored 20 points and pulled down eight boards in 37 minutes of action. His minutes restriction appears to be over.  The Knicks are going to need production like this from Stoudemire if they expect to make the playoffs.

At this point the only thing that matters for the Knicks is wins.  With this type of loss the playoffs is going to get away from the Knicks.  The Knicks limp into the All Star break a wounded team.