The Knicks entered the new year with a four-game winning streak – and a backcourt injury crisis.
Starting point guard Frank Williams and starting shooting guard Allan Houston sat out last night’s game vs. the Bulls at the Garden, and probably will miss tomorrow’s big grudge match vs. the Nets.
Williams sustained a strained groin when he came to work out on his own on New Year’s Eve.
Houston, who’s already missed five games, will have his right knee drained in a painful procedure – likely today – to reduce the swelling that occurred two days ago.
His knee continues to be a major concern at age 32 after arthroscopic surgery.
“I just know it’s going to be get better,” Houston said. “I’ve been through so much worse. I think [the procedure] is going to help.”
Houston said his knee has only been sore this season, never swollen. He said he began feeling sore on the recent southern trip. Houston has missed games this season because of his knee and back.
“This is something different because it’s never gotten swollen,” Houston said.
Charlie Ward started last night at point guard with Shandon Anderson at shooting guard. The injury developments forced coach Don Chaney to play Moochie Norris – both at backup point and backup shooting guard.
The Knicks had finally gotten healthy, had finally started winning. Chaney had never posted a five-game winning streak with the Knicks, so the rash of injuries last night was upsetting. Not even new boss Isiah Thomas could prevent this.
“We’re going back again,” Chaney said. “I just hope Allan’s not out too long. That’s the key. That was the one thing I wanted to avoid, make adjustments during this period because we were going very well. I didn’t want to be shifting roles.”
Williams wishes he never came to the Westchester practice facility on the team’s off day New Year’s Eve, as he hurt it doing a 1-on-1 move. He didn’t practice yesterday but figured he’d be able to go last night. That’s because he’s never had a groin problem before.
“It’s very disappointing,” said Williams, whose surge has coincided with the win streak. “It’s one thing to hurt it during a game, but I shouldn’t have even been there in the first place.
Williams said he hopes it goes away in “a couple more days,” and isn’t sure about tomorrow night’s battle vs. Jason Kidd.
“Hopefully it’s not too long,” Chaney said. “It depends how he responds to therapy.”
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Norris, acquired in the Clarence Weatherspoon trade, believes shaving his wild Afro this summer was a sign of a new dedication.
Norris ballooned to 230 pounds last season and came to Rocket camp at 220. He’s now 183.
“It’s part of my change,” Norris said before making his Knick debut last night. “I changed my whole attitude. I really rededicated myself to basketball.”