The newest acquisitions do not seem to be comfortable with that role.

"I disagree with that because when you look at it, OK, they want to get two players in '10, but you still need 12 guys," Harrington said. "And then you have to attract the guys to want to come here. So you're going to have to have good players here and you're going to have to show that they can win, that this team can win. So in order for that to happen, we're going to have to be a good team, so we're here to make the playoffs."

Getting everyone on the same page won't be easy.

Thomas played in Phoenix for Mike D'Antoni, so he knows the system. Mobley and Harrington will have to cram. All of them are expected to play on Tuesday against Cleveland.

"Fortunately Tim Thomas has been in this system before, so I'm pretty sure he can pick up real quickly," Chris Duhon said. "Al was kind of in a similar system in Golden State. Cuttino, he's a vet, he's a pro, so I think he's going to pick up pretty quickly as well. I think the main thing is how we adjust playing to them, to their different styles."

KNICKS 122, WIZARDS 117: Quentin Richardson hit seven times from behind the arc to help put an end to New York's three-game losing streak. He finished with 34 points and 12 rebounds, which lifted a team still a little short-handed after trading a trio of players 24 hours earlier.

Al Harrington, Tim Thomas and Cuttino Mobley were on hand, but they will not be eligible to play until everyone involved has passed a mandatory physical.

Both teams were completing back-to-back sets. A fast start energized the Knicks (7-6), who took a 30-19 lead in the final minutes of the first quarter on Anthony Roberson's driving layup. Only seven players were available to play, and Stephon Marbury was inactive after declining to play the previous night in Milwaukee.

Nate Robinson added 27 points. David Lee had 22 points and 12 rebounds, and Chris Duhon finished with 10 points and 11 assists.