--F Quentin Richardson helped the Knicks establish a seven-point lead before they fell apart in regulation, and finished with 17 points and eight rebounds. It was his most productive game of the season, but he lamented a miss in the final minute that could have changed the outcome. "Everything else was cool," Richardson said. "But I missed the one at the end we needed most."

--G Jamal Crawford was 5-for-19 against Dallas, but he did connect twice from behind the arc. He moved past Charlie Ward and into third place on the franchise list with 599 long-range field goals. Allan Houston is next on the list, but he's got 921 makes from three-point range.

--G Stephon Marbury is still hanging around, claiming he will not give up any of the money he's due in order to facilitate a buyout. The controversial playmaker has a players' association lawyer checking to see what he might earn on the open market. It's an important number. Marbury would probably offer a discount if he's certain a competing team would offer a portion of its mid-level exception.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--F Jared Jeffries (fractured left fibula) is using a hyperbaric chamber in hopes of speeding the healing process, but he's expected to be out until December.

--C Eddy Curry (bruised knee) needed a cortisone shot recently to relieve the pain. He is dressing in case of emergency, but is not ready to resume practicing.

--F Danilo Gallinari (back) was instructed by two back specialists to get a second cortisone shot and rest for several weeks before the situation is re-evaluated. There is a possibility the rookie will need season-ending surgery.