Knicks' sellout streak at Madison Square Garden halted at 201

We have to hand it to New York Knicks fans. The team has been an utter abomination over the past two seasons, winning a total of 54 games during that span and missing out on the playoffs each year.

In fact, the franchise has won a total of one playoff series since losing to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals back in 2000.

So it may come as a surprise to learn that the Knicks had sold out 201 consecutive games, postseason and preseason included, at Madison Square Garden — a streak that came to an end Wednesday night against the Brazilian team Bauru.

The team announced an attendance of 19,037, which is hundreds short of the 19,800-plus capacity.

The sellout streak dates back to the 2010-11 season when New York earned the first of three consecutive playoff appearances prior to its current two-year drought. The interesting dynamic here, and likely to the chagrin of owner James Dolan, is that the Knicks had an 87 percent season ticket renewal rate this year — a number that is down significantly from last season.

With a ton of competition as it relates to entertainment in New York City, it shouldn't come as a huge surprise the Knicks are seeing a downturn in attendance.

Even with a healthy Carmelo Anthony back in the mix, New York isn't expected to contend for a playoff spot this year. The team is stuck between a false sense that it can contend and an unattainable rebuild project due to Anthony's massive contract.

With tickets for the home opener against the Atlanta Hawks ranging from $87.00 to well over $5,000.00 on the secondary market, the cost of attending a game at one of the most historical venues in the NBA world also has to play a role here.

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