Knicks starting to come together

Head coach Larry Brown could also reach a significant milestone this evening, as a victory tonight would give him 1,000 for his NBA coaching career. Brown has amassed a 999-762 mark with the Denver Nuggets, New Jersey Nets, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons and Knicks.

On Wednesday, Stephon Marbury netted 28 points and dished out six assists as New York edged the Dallas Mavericks, 117-115, in overtime action at the Garden. Jamal Crawford came off the bench to net 25 points for the Knicks, have not won six straight since a seven-game run from December 22, 2000- January 7, 2001.

Eddy Curry chipped in 21 points and seven rebounds in the victory.

In overtime, Antonio Davis tipped home Marbury’s miss to give the Knicks a 112-109 edge with 2:33 left, but Dirk Nowitzki later tied it up with a jumper at 1:47.

Davis and Crawford each hit two free throws for a 116-112 lead with only 11 seconds left. Dallas’ best chance to pull closer was a three-point attempt by Nowitzki that rolled off the iron with 6.4 seconds remaining.

The Knicks, who will head to Toronto on Sunday, are 8-8 in their arena this season.

New York lost to the Hawks earlier in the season, but has won nine of the last 12 meetings. Atlanta has also struggled in the Big Apple, where it has lost 10 of its last 11 and 11 of its last 13.