New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson has conceded that the team currently has a "loser's mentality" after a string of close defeats.
Seven of New York's last eight losses have been by seven or fewer points, while in their past five losses they have been within one possession of the opposition with less than five minutes to play.
"It's about a loser's mentality. It's not about the skill or the talent level," Jackson told reporters.
"Obviously, we're disappointed. I think guys understand what we're trying to do. Hopefully, they're getting to be more compliant. There's some resistance to discipline and order and culture change and things like that. I will call it a crucible for what we're going through here. The process, maybe the heat, is going to refine some of the stuff so that we come out and be a pretty good team after all is said and done."
Jackson added that he likes the competitive nature of the team but they must learn to close out games if they are to live up to his expectations of making the playoffs this season.
However, he has ruled out the possibility of making changes to the roster this season as he believes that coach Derek Fisher has the players to succeed.
Sumeet Paul
