The Knicks are on another streak, except this one is going in the wrong direction. After winning eight straight games to start to change the narrative of their season, the Knicks have gone backwards, dropping four in a row.

This streak is much less convincing than the eight victories in a row, though. The Knicks easily could have won three of the games, leading late into the fourth quarter in setbacks against the Raptors, Bulls and Mavericks. All four defeats have been by seven points or fewer. Compare that to the winning streak, when the Knicks won six times by double figures.

Still, it is four consecutive losses after it looked as if coach Tom Thibodeau’s team had taken some major steps forward. Let’s break down the trends in these defeats that are concerning and the ones that are just part of a long season.

Not concerning: Free throw shooting