"Nate Robinson has a better chance of winning his slam-dunk crown than he has of starting again at point guard for the Knicks.

After the Knicks lost twice over the weekend with Robinson elevated to a starting role, he is going back to the bench Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings at the Garden.

"I think Nate is better as an off guard," Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said Monday after practice in Greenburgh. "He understands that. I think the team functions a little bit better with a true point."

Robinson, who will back up Wilson Chandler, did not make himself available to the media after practice. He sat out with a groin strain but is expected to be OK to play against the Kings in the team's final game before this weekend's All-Star break. Larry Hughes missed practice with an injured toe and is out for Tuesday.

The move is not a surprise. In losses to the Bucks and Cavaliers, Robinson failed to be the kind of facilitator D'Antoni was looking for when he benched Chris Duhon.

Apparently, Robinson's time will have to come in Dallas when he competes for a record third slam dunk title this weekend. Despite his injury, D'Antoni said Robinson is free to compete. But from here on out, his role in Knick games will primarily be off the ball."