A late comeback led by Jeremy Lin fell short and the New Orleans Hornets ended New York’s NBA win streak at seven games with an 89-85 victory on Friday, but even defeat was no cure for “Lin-sanity”.

Lin matched Knicks team-mate Amare Stoudemire with a game-high 26 points but the first US-born NBA player of Taiwanese and Chinese heritage also made nine turnovers, matching the most by any player in a game this season, in the loss.

“I was nervous coming out and careless with the ball,” Lin said.

“Nine turnovers is never going to get it done from your primary ball handler. It’s on me in terms of taking care of the ball and the game in general.

“Being patient is something I have struggled with and something I really need to look at now.”

The Knicks had been on a magical run since bench-warmer Lin, cut by two clubs before the season, was called upon with two starters missing and answered with the most points of any NBA player in his first five starts since 1976.

The 23-year-old point guard, whose parents are from Taiwan while a maternal grandmother is from China, also contributed five assists and four steals against the Hornets, but in the end, found out that even he can’t “Lin” them all.

“Everyone wants to credit me for the last seven games and I definitely deserve this one on my shoulders,” Lin said.

“It’s very disappointing just because I felt like this could have been a good game for us to win.”

Lin’s fortnight of amazing moments included several high-scoring efforts, a last-second 3-pointer to beat Toronto and 13 assists to help seven players reach double figures in a rout of Sacramento, capturing the world’s attention.

Asked if he thought the defeat marked the end of Lin’s impressive play, Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said “Lin-sanity” is only the beginning of an amazing story that will add more chapters when injured Carmelo Anthony returns.

“I don’t think (the loss) will change anything,” D’Antoni said. “He’s smart enough to know what to do. I don’t think he expected to win every game.

“You don’t turn it on and off. You play. I thought he played well. He had 26 points. How many you want him to get? 40?”

Lin said Anthony’s return and the signing of shooting guard J.R. Smith will not alter his mental approach, but might call for adjustments in strategy.

While the win streak has ended, the “Lin-sanity” phenomenon figures to continue as Knicks fans saw their team rise from a mediocre also-ran to a formidable force, knocking off the Los Angeles Lakers during their win streak.

Extra attention figures to still be focused on Lin and the Knicks, but the Asian-American star admitted the loss might take a bit of pressure off him.

“I don’t think this is good because I hate losing, but I know what you are saying about things dying down,” Lin said.

“It may help me. It may help the team.”