New York Knicks Team Report - February 28

(Basketball News) - The seemingly revitalized New York Knicks shoot for their first three-game winning streak since late December tonight, when they host the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden.

New York has won three of its last four overall, including a 90-79 victory over Indiana on Saturday night at MSG. Stephon Marbury scored 21 points and Jamal Crawford finished with 17 in the winning effort for the Knicks.

Kurt Thomas compiled 16 points and nine rebounds in the victory. Tim Thomas chipped in 11 points in the contest.

Newly acquired forwards Maurice Taylor and Malik Rose made their debuts for the Knicks. Taylor posted two points in five minutes of action, while Rose added two points in nine minutes.

Taylor was acquired from the Houston Rockets in exchange for forward Vin Baker, guard Moochie Norris and a 2006 second-round pick. Meanwhile, Rose and conditional first-round draft choices in 2005 and 2006 came from San Antonio for center Nazr Mohammed and guard Jamison Brewer.

The Knicks shot a solid 48.6 percent from the field, including 2-of-3 (.667) from three-point range. New York drained 16-of-24 (.667) from the free throw line and outrebounded the Pacers, 43-32.

New York, which is 16-12 at home this season, has won four straight and five of its last six home tilts. The Knicks will be finishing up a three-game homestand this evening.

New York remains in the cellar of the Atlantic Division, 5 1/2 contests behind the quickly improving Boston Celtics.

Following tonight’s contest, the Knicks have tilts against Orlando (Friday) and Golden State (Sunday) remaining this week. The Orlando game will be at TD Waterhouse Centre, while the Warriors will be at MSG.