The New York Knicks' final loss before the All-Star break was just a fitting indication of how their season has gone, and it only brought about more speculation over head coach Mike Woodson's status and whether or not the team will trade some players before the Feb. 20 trade deadline in a last-ditch effort to convince Carmelo Anthony not to leave this summer.
The Knicks (20-32) fell 106-101 in overtime to the Sacramento Kings (18-35) in what was considered to be a must-win game at Madison Square Garden, and judging by the disgust of owner James Dolan--who pegged his team to be championship caliber heading into the season--there could be some changes made after the All-Star break.
"I didn't expect to be in this situation that we're in right now," Anthony said afterwards, according to ESPN. "If somebody would have told us that before the season, I'd have put any amount of money that they were lying. It's a tough loss to swallow."
The Knicks lost for the fifth time in six tries, causing Woodson's already hot seat to simmer as the team searches for answers as to why this season has gone so poorly. Despite their terrible first half of the season, the Knicks still remain just 2.5 games out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference that is currently held by the Charlotte Bobcats.
Woodson said the team played well at times but just couldn't put together a complete game.
"We can't go back and get this game," Woodson said via ESPN. "We didn't finish the game. I think we played well in spurts. We just didn't get it done."
Anthony is expected to hit the free agent market for the first time in his career following this season, and with the Knicks struggles leaving a bad taste in his mouth, the team may make some moves at the trade deadline to try and sway their superstar to stay, but it remains to be seen if the team will pull the trigger on a deal.
Woodson's job status has been a constant point of conversation this season as many expect him to be fired, but Woodson denied the claims that he may not make it through the All-Star break as Knicks head coach.
"Again guys this is not about me," Woodson said at the Knicks facility on Monday via ESPN. "Unless you guys know something I don't know, then the only thing I can say is I'm going to be back. Unless you guys know something, I'm the coach of the Knicks and that's all I know at this point."
It remains to be seen what kind of moves will be made with the on-court personnel and the head coach, but with the frustrations continuing to mount things could be changing soon at Madison Square Garden.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
