http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/35575.htm

December 3, 2004 -- Lenny Wilkens' concerns about his two young Knicks, power forward Michael Sweetney and rookie Trevor Ariza, were wiped away by Wednesday's win over Memphis.
Both youngsters have looked tired recently and have seen their minutes sliced. Sweetney is a second-year player, but hasn't been through a full season because he was on the injured list for most of last season's first half as a rookie.

Isiah Thomas has told Chicago, during trade talks for Eddy Curry, that Sweetney is untouchable. But while Sweetney entered the season with huge expectations, his ferocious boardwork hasn't been on display enough and he's been nursing a sore thumb.

Ariza, meanwhile, was hitting the rookie wall. In the two games before Wednesday's, he played a total of five minutes.

"We got great play from Sweetney and Trevor got us going the way he was playing earlier," Wilkens said. "They will play a lot of minutes as long as they're playing well."

Sweetney had 11 points and nine rebounds in 21 minutes on Wednesday while Ariza had 8 points 4 rebounds, 5 assists in 26 minutes. Ariza's highlight was a sprint from halfcourt, that beat the Memphis defense for a jam.

"Sweetney was very lively," Wilkens said. "He wasn't standing around looking. He wasn't a spectator anymore. He was back in the mix going after it. Trevor was coming off screens like he was earlier. He was flying. When that happens I can keep them out there longer."

Wilkens held a short practice following the back-to-back set, although clubs usually take off. The Knicks just watched film and did 20 minutes of running drills and shooting. "Their frame of mind is very, very good," Wilkens said. "I wanted to take advantage of it."

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Allan Houston, who has said he may need at least three more scrimmages, was not on the court when reporters were let in. Wilkens said he had no update on Houston's debut.



In contrast, the Nets' Jason Kidd is expected to practice for the first time today and Nets president Rod Thorn has not ruled out his playing tomorrow. Kidd is coming off microfracture surgery this summer. Houston had the same surgery 18 months ago.