Showing more defensive intensity than his team often exhibits, Knicks coach Don Chaney stuck up for himself Saturday amid reports that his job is in jeopardy.
“I don’t need any reassurance,” Chaney said before New York’s 103-92 victory over Atlanta.
The victory was just the third in 11 games for the Knicks (10-18), whose coach is reportedly in danger of being fired if the team continues to languish in the lower half of the Atlantic Division.
“When I woke up this morning I didn’t care one way or another what my situation was because I could be fired at any time, or I could stay on,” Chaney said after improving his Knicks coaching record to 67-106. “I thought they came out and competed, and that’s all I ask of them. The reason why? I don’t know.”
RESULTS, SATURDAY’S SYNOPSIS
Cleveland 95 at Bulls 87 Complete coverage, Pages 1, 3-4
Atlanta 92 at New York 103
Frank Williams had 4 assists in 15-0 3rd-quarter run that gave Knicks 69-61 lead. Hawks got within 6 in 4th but Keith Van Horn hit 3 straight 3s. Antonio McDyess added 19 pts, 10 rebs.
Indiana 80 at Minnesota 102
Minnesota jumped to 54-31 halftime lead and won 5th straight behind Kevin Garnett (28 points, 9 rebounds, 7 blocks). Pacers shot season-worst 35 pct., 3rd straight game under 40 pct.
Memphis 89 at New Orleans 94
Baron Davis had 25 points and 12 assists as Hornets snapped season-high 3-game losing streak and gave Tim Floyd his 18th victory, 1 more than in any of his 3-plus seasons with the Bulls.
New Jersey 87 at Milwaukee 92
Tim Thomas scored 16 of his 21 in 1st quarter and Bucks scored 8 of final 11 points. Nets’ Jason Kidd missed 13 of 1st 15 shots. Bucks 6-0 when holding opponent to 89 points or less.
L.A. Clippers 115 at Dallas 105
Corey Maggette scored 26, Quentin Richardson had 25 points, 13 rebounds to hand Mavs just 2nd home loss. Clippers’ victory was just 5th in last 23 meetings, but 2nd this season.
Seattle 115 at Denver 106
Richie Frahm hit 6 3-pointers in 7 tries, scored career-high 31 to lead Sonics past Nuggets, who were playing 4th game in 5 nights. Frahm had scored 11 combined points in last 3 games.
Houston 87 at Phoenix 102
Shawn Marion scored 15 of his 25 points in 4th, added 11 rebounds for 12th double-double and 8th in 10 games. Casey Jacobsen’s 3-pointer broke 67-67 tie, last of 11 in the contest.
San Antonio 101 at Portland 91
Tim Duncan had 26 points, 10 rebounds for league-best 23rd double-double as Spurs extended winning streak to 10. Blazers, who trailed by as much as 21, led by Zach Randolph’s 29.
