Porzingis admits he's tired, feeling pressure without Hardaway

The New York Knicks have hit a wall, and it looks like nobody is feeling it more than Kristaps Porzingis.

The Knicks have cooled down over the past couple weeks after a hot start, as they've dropped seven of their last nine games. With the burden of carrying the roster wearing the Knicks superstar out halfway through the season, Porzingis' production has noticeably declined. He confessed fatigue may be the culprit.

"I’m tired, I’m tired, I’m so tired right now," Porzingis said, according to New York Post's Marc Berman. "I have one day to rest my legs and get back and play better and have more energy and try to bring the team’s energy up. We’re in a tough stretch. The mental part doesn’t help at all. When it’s mentally tough, you don’t have it in you."

Another obstacle the Knicks have attempted to overcome is the loss of Tim Hardaway Jr. Without the Knicks' second scoring option, teams have focused in on Porzingis, hurting his early-season MVP candidacy.

"Obviously having Tim out doesn’t make it easier," said Porzingis. "Hopefully Tim will be back with us soon and take some of that pressure off me and other guys."

With Hardaway in the lineup, Porzingis averaged 25.8 points and shot 46.7 percent in 19 games. Since losing Hardaway on Nov. 29, Porzingis is averaging 21 points on 39.9 percent shooting in 13 games.

The Knicks visit the Miami Heat on Friday night.