New York Knicks Team Report - January 25

(Basketball News) - The New York Knicks dropped their first game at home under new head coach Lenny Wilkens on Saturday with an 85-77 setback at the hands of the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden.

Michael Doleac had a season-high 18 points off the bench for the Knicks, who lost for the second time in six games. Anfernee Hardaway also had 16 points in a reserve role, while Stephon Marbury was held to just four points although he did have a game-high eight assists.

Miami used a 10-1 rally in the last 3:04 to clinch the victory. After Kurt Thomas’ layup gave the Knicks a 76-75 lead with just under four minutes left, Eddie Jones hit a jumper to put the Heat up 77-76.

Lamar Odom responded with a basket to put Miami ahead 79-76 with 2:25 left. After both teams turned it over, Marbury and Hardaway both failed in their attempts to tie it with shots from long range.

Keith Van Horn’s free throw with just over a minute left got the Knicks back to 81-77, but Brian Grant hit a jumper from the corner with 40 seconds left, essentially closing the door on any chances for a New York comeback.

The Knicks return to action on Tuesday against San Antonio.