NEW YORK – By virtue of his name, Isaiah Thomas was the most jeered player Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
The Kings' rookie guard shares the same name as the former New York Knicks coach and general manager Isiah Thomas, though they are no relation.
The latter Thomas is a former Detroit Pistons point guard and Hall of Fame member who Knicks fans remember as the man behind a lot of losing from December 2003 through April 2008.
"I knew that was going to happen," the Kings' Thomas said. "I was in prep school (in Connecticut) when Isiah Thomas was here, so I used to come to all the games and hear them talk about 'Fire Isiah.' So I knew something was going to happen."
What Thomas didn't expect was how long the jeers would last. Toward the end of the Kings' 100-85 loss, fans still booed loudly when Thomas scored late while the Knicks were comfortably ahead.
"I knew they were going to boo at least once, I didn't think they were going to boo the whole time," Thomas said. "Spike Lee told me, 'Next time you come to New York, just change your name before you come.' "
Homecoming – Rookie Jimmer Fredette, a Glens Falls, N.Y. native, played his first game at the Garden.
Fredette had eight points after missing Tuesday's loss at Chicago with a stomach illness.
"We had a tough game," he said, "... but it was fun to play in front of family and friends again."
Fredette said a large contingent from Glens Falls attended the game.
Suited up – Second-year center Hassan Whiteside was active for Wednesday night's game. It was the first time Whiteside was active for a game since Jan. 1, before he was sent to the NBA Development League.
Whiteside made his season debut with 4:09 left in the game. He blocked a shot but did not score or have a rebound.
Rookie Tyler Honeycutt was the inactive player for the Kings.
Pep talk – Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson spoke to the Kings before they played the Knicks.
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