Top > Sport > 2006 > November > 2006-11-08

Knicks try, but fall short to Spurs

The Knicks` best run of the season so far lasted about 23 minutes, and as not enough to beat the San Antonio Spurs in New York. Trailing 52-29 late in the second quarter, the Knicks climbed back to within one point, 92-91 with four minutes to play. In doing so, they regained some self respect and some respect from the crowd who came to Madison Square Garden and booed the team earlier in the game.

The Knicks lost the third game in a row since their opening-night victory, this time falling 105-93. The players that did push them to a near win were pulled off from the far end of the bench by coach Isiah Thomas. Mardy Collins, David Lee, Malik Rose and Nate Robinson gave the team the boost they needed, and which they did not receive from the expensive line-up.

?I think if anything that came out of tonight, hopefully we understand that you got to have the courage to get into the ring and fight,? Thomas said. Thomas is coaching to save his job, leading a team that features the most expensive payroll and coming off a worst records season. Tony Parker led the Spurs with 24 points and 10 assists. He had two of the team`s 13 three-pointers. Brent Barry had five treys on the way to 19 points.