Knicks rise over
Sun in thriller
BY FRANK ISOLA
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2006

The longest game in the history of Madison Square Garden lasted 63 heart-stopping minutes and included more favorable whistles than any one team should get.

But for the Knicks, down in both the standings and in the morale department, all that mattered was that they managed to survive against a playoff-caliber team and started 2006 by doing something they didn't do enough of in 2005.

"It was a huge win for us because there haven't been a lot of opportunities for us to smile," Larry Brown said after the Knicks' 140-133 triple-overtime victory over the Phoenix Suns. "I could see that it meant a lot to them."

The Knicks improved to 8-21 and managed to rise above the turmoil that is festering in the locker room. Before the game, the Knicks announced that backup center Jerome James has been suspended indefinitely for conduct detrimental to the team. Also, after Trevor Ariza learned from a team official that Brown had told the media he had been beaten out of the rotation by David Lee and Qyntel Woods, the backup small forward admitted the coach's rotation has everyone "confused." Brown, however, stuck to his promise of a tighter rotation that included Lee, a rookie, getting a start and playing 52 minutes. And Lee made the most of it by converting 10 of 11 shots while establishing season highs in points (23) and rebounds (15).

Meanwhile, the road-weary Suns were forced to conclude their five-game trip with players they seemingly picked off the street. They stuck around until early in the final OT, when Stephon Marbury finally reappeared and scored seven of his 32 points. Jamal Crawford added 29 and Eddy Curry, who tied the game in regulation by hitting two free throws with 8.4 seconds left after a questionable foul call, scored 13 of his 20 in the overtimes.

Steve Nash, the reigning MVP, put on a dazzling display for Phoenix with 28 points and 22 assists. Shawn Marion added 39 points and 14 rebounds in 60 minutes as he and Nash were the only two Phoenix starters who didn't foul out.

Overall, Phoenix was called for 41 fouls compared to 27 for the Knicks. Brown's team also attempted 54 free throws, making 32, while Phoenix went 14-for-16 from the line and left New York feeling like they were in an Oliver Stone movie.

"When you foul out your whole team and you have the rest of the guys running on fumes after a nine-day road trip, for us just to hang around at that point is outstanding," Nash said.

The Suns had three starters - Raja Bell, Boris Diaw and former Knick Kurt Thomas - all foul out in the last six minutes of the fourth quarter, forcing Phoenix to use journeyman Pat Burke as its center. Burke was giving up 35 pounds to Curry, not to mention tons of talent. Burke played 13 minutes before fouling out in the third overtime. With Burke gone, James Jones, who could fit inside Curry's body, was forced to guard the Knicks' center.

"When I saw Burke come in, I definitely felt like things were (about) to turn around for me a little bit," Curry said. "I'm sure he's a great player and everything but I think the refs let Kurt Thomas get away with a little more than Burke can."

Curry was a load in overtime. He totaled 10 points and 10 rebounds in 13 minutes, including a tap-in with 1:48 remaining in the second overtime that gave the Knicks a 127-125 lead. Eddie House tied it with a jumper and the Suns had two chances to take the lead, but Crawford forced Nash into a traveling violation and Burke missed a 22-footer.

The Knicks came up empty for a third straight trip, this time with a hobbled Crawford missing badly. Phoenix called timeout with 9.3 seconds left and ended up with Burke yet again taking the biggest shot and missing, this time from the corner.

Nash had a chance to win the game in regulation but with Lee in his face, missed a 20-foot jumper at the buzzer. The Knicks, who led by 13 in regulation, went ahead by four in the first overtime and were down 116-112 with two minutes left before Robinson scored four quick points. Crawford had a chance to win the game but his pull-up 15-footer bounced out. Curry opened the third OT with a three-point play and the Knicks never trailed again.

Posted by Andrew:

48 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 63

Posted by BRIGGS:

this is coming from the same cat who said he was done with the knicks if they lost last week and that nate was an over hyped POS, doesnt belong in the nBA. I dont use the word hater--i have no idea what it mena s, but after announcing that i qill quit on my team if they lose, I wouldnt use that word dig

Posted by McK1:

nice spin but this is what Nash actually said:

"When you foul out your whole team and you have the rest of the guys running on fumes after a nine-day road trip, for us just to hang around at that point is outstanding," Nash said.

it was a gutty effort for them.

ps
what happened to Nash not getting numbers?

28 22 and 5 boards

Posted by Killa4luv:

Even in victory, some enjoy bashing the team.

Posted by Killa4luv:

We won and I am happy about that. Perhaps you 3 dark clouds aren't, but I am.