Two teams looking ahead to next year will meet when the Washington Wizards visit the New York Knicks on Sunday night.

The Knicks lost for the eighth time in their last nine games when they were beaten 120-96 in Houston on Friday night as James Harden had 26 points, eight assists and eight rebounds in just 29 minutes.

New York was without point guard Emmanuel Mudiay (sore left shoulder), so Mario Hezonja made his first start at the position. He finished with his first career triple-double -- 16 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists in an emergency role.

"He did a great job," Knicks coach David Fizdale said in the New York Post. "He organized us. He called the right stuff. He attacked when he needed to attack."

For his part, Hezonja said jokingly, "They don't have to get a point guard right, Kyrie (Irving), right?"

Henry Ellenson also had 16 points off the bench for the Knicks, who lost their ninth straight on the road. Kevin Knox added 13 and Mitchell Robinson had 12.

Banged up for New York also were Kadeem Allen (concussion), Isaiah Hicks (sore left hip), Dennis Smith Jr. (sore lower back), Allonzo Trier (strained left calf) and Noah Vonleh (sprained right ankle).

Washington won the first three meetings between the teams this season. >> Read More

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