Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek finally gave his playoff concession speech.
Entering Tuesday’s home game against the Pacers and coming off arguably the season’s worst defeat, in Brooklyn, Hornacek waved the white flag. The Knicks stood 6 ½ games out with 15 to play.
Hornacek believes the Knicks didn’t show effort Sunday because of the dead playoff run.
“The realization, going out the last game and playing like it doesn’t matter, that’s not what we’re going to do,’’ Hornacek said about a Knicks team that is 26-41, one loss away from clinching its fourth straight losing season. “Whether we’re in the playoffs or not in the playoffs, we’re going to play hard the whole time. The playoffs may not be in reach, but this especially could be for other young guys to get some time to show what they really can do.
“Until you’re mathematically done, you’re always going for it, but sometimes it’s realistic. Are you going to be able to make up seven games in [15]? Many, many things would have to happen for that.’’
The rising frustration level is evident with players such as Kristaps Porzingis, who said there’s “confusion from top to bottom” – perhaps a knock on the coaching staff.
“When you’re losing, you go through the same thing — the finger-pointing starts,’’ Hornacek said. “Is it the coaches, the players, the management? When you win, players don’t say anything. When you lose, OK, now I can say something.”