Knicks decide to fire Thomas

Isiah Thomas was fired as coach of the New York Knicks on Friday, ending a year fraught with embarrassing episodes on and off the court.

Thomas, the coach for two seasons, will remain with the organization reporting directly to new President Donnie Walsh, a rapid fall for Thomas who also was team president a little more than two weeks ago.

The Knicks finished 23-59, matching the franchise record for losses, in their seventh consecutive losing season.

This season alone, Thomas was found to have sexually harassed a former team employee, feuded with point guard Stephon Marbury and benched center Eddy Curry -- the players Thomas acquired in his two biggest moves.

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The Clippers lost a tiebreaker with the New York Knicks and will select sixth heading into the draft lottery. The tiebreaker was held because both teams ended the season 23-59.

The Clippers have 75 chances in 1,000 to land the top overall selection in June’s draft. The first three picks are determined by the draft’s lottery on May 20.

-- Jonathan Abrams

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NBA owners approved the Seattle SuperSonics’ move to Oklahoma City for the 2008-09 season, provided the team can settle its lawsuit with the city.

The SuperSonics could begin playing there as early as next season if they can get out of the remaining two years of their lease at KeyArena.

Owners voted 28-2 in favor of the move, with Dallas and Portland voting against.