BROWN: NEED STEPH IN CRUNCH

By MARC BERMAN

KNICK NOTES SACRAMENTO — Stephon Marbury seemed extra motivated Friday night, maybe or maybe not because of The Post's report that morning that Isiah Thomas is now open to trading the Knicks' point guard.

Marbury didn't commit a turnover in 40 minutes and went to the boards to collect a Jason Kidd-like seven rebounds.

But although Marbury finished with 22 points, Larry Brown still found room for improvement. The coach yesterday lamented that Marbury might have been more aggressive in the final minutes, when the game was on the line. Brown used Baron Davis' strong finish as an example.

"He did a lot of good things, but late in the game he has to be a lot more aggressive," Brown said of Marbury. "It seemed Jamal [Crawford] was the guy. Steph has, in situations like that, has to get others a shot or [himself] a shot, like Baron did. Baron took over the game. Baron got the ball to everyone who was open."

Coming off a zero-rebound effort in Portland, Marbury's board total vs. the Warriors impressed Brown the most. "At halftime I was looking at the stat sheet with Steph and I told him the best stat was four defensive boards," Brown said.

Brown also was unhappy with Marbury's 3-pointer early in the shot clock with 4:20 left.

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Brown indicated he will likely activate former King Matt Barnes, and may start him to defend Peja Stojakovic instead of the undersized Quentin Richardson.

Barnes, who started the first three games before being added to the inactive list, had a good season with Sacramento last year, but didn't play aftere he got traded to Philly in the Chris Webber deal.

Hence, Barnes — who hit the game-winning free throws in the Kings' OT victory over the Knicks last season — was still a free agent, three days into training camp.

It could be Brown's fourth different starting lineup in six games. . . .

Brown also hinted that Jackie Butler may be activated soon. Brown said the center had been the best big man at the team's last two practices.