In the final 30 seconds, the fans at the Meadowlands chanted “New York Knicks.”
During this horror show of a Knick season, it hasn’t gotten any better than that. The Knicks haven’t beaten many teams this season, but they sure can beat the Nets.
“It’s like playing against a high-school rival, they’re chanting, ‘New York Knicks’ at the end of the game, and we’re in their building,” said Jamal Crawford, who exploded for 35 points and carried the Knicks home with two late perimeter daggers.
The Knicks (12-26) posted their season-high third straight win and also their third win over the Nets this season, winning the season series for the first time since 1999-2000 with a chance at a sweep.
After blowing out Detroit and Washington, the Knicks rallied from 16 points down in the second quarter to do it again without injured Stephon Marbury, potentially out for the season.
Crawford seems freer and sank the two biggest shots in the final 1:43. Crawford, who scored 29 points the previous night against Washington, has averaged 32 points in the three wins over Jersey.
“He’s playing lights-out basketball,” said Knick coach Isiah Thomas. “He’s becoming a big-time player in this league, the way he’s running our team, the way he’s hitting shots.”
The Knicks rallied in the second quarter before the Nets had rallied from 15 down in the fourth to tie it at 100, as the Knicks celebrated too early.
But Crawford saved them. He first banged in a bucket off the glass from straightaway with 1:43 left. “I didn’t call glass, but that’s what was in my mind when I let it go,” Crawford said.
After the Nets tied it, Craw ford nailed a 3-pointer from the right wing for a 105-102 lead with 57.5 seconds left. Jason Kidd missed an open trey and Zach Randolph (24 points, 11 rebounds) secured the rebound and game. Randolph got fouled and sank two free throws, moving the Knicks to 6-8 without Marbury.
*
Thomas said he’s not willing to add significant payroll in a trade, which could limit him as he shops the short-term contract of Marbury before Feb. 21’s deadline and this summer.
Nevertheless, Thomas’ reported recent inquiry into Sacramento point guard Mike Bibby falls into their strategy since Bibby can opt out of the final year of his contract.
With Marbury possibly out for the season, Thomas has to start looking now for a point guard.
“If that’s what he’s trying to do, he’s got to do what he’s got to do,” Marbury said. “I understand that. It’s a business. If I was a GM, my contract ends next year, so if you’re trying to reduce salary, I’m going off the cap next year.”
*
Thomas on not adding payroll: “I’m saying this because we spent the last three years trying to get our cap figures coming down so we could see brighter days. It’s a talent game and a financial game. You got to be able to play both games. It’s not that I had a discussion with [owner James] Dolan, but we’re not looking to take on a lot of salary.” . . . Randolph denied an ESPN report that he told Thomas in the locker room following the Toronto fiasco to trade him. . . . Jerome James told The Post he’s ready to be activated for the first time this season for Saturday’s game in Miami. James is to take a fitness test today.