KNICK NOTES
John Starks got to the Garden two nights early. Starks was expected to be in attendance last night as a spectator when the Knicks faced the Nuggets. Tomorrow, he makes his first return to the Garden as an opposing player since the Knicks shipped the fan favorite to Golden State, along with Chris Mills and Terry Cummings, for Latrell Sprewell last January.
Starks has been battling a severe case of tendinitis in his knee and has missed five straight games. But he will be ready tomorrow. It’s known that he did not want to go on the injured list earlier this week because it would have made him ineligible for the Knicks’ game. A player must be on the injured list a minimum five games.
Starks, who attended Knick playoff games last spring, had a forgettable game against the Knicks in Oakland Nov. 20, picking up two fouls in the opening minutes on a night overshadowed by Latrell Sprewell’s Oakland homecoming.
Kurt Thomas has been one of the true Knick warriors this season, playing through a myriad of bumps and bruises while the rest of the frontline battalion has fallen by the wayside. Thomas has averaged 12.3 rebounds in the last three games, including a career-high 16 in Philly Tuesday. In a contract year, Thomas, who sustained a ribcage injury two weeks ago, will likely see his playing time effected by the returns of Larry Johnson and Patrick Ewing.
“One thing about Kurt, unless he has an injury that’s a major injury he’s going to be there for you,” Van Gundy said. “His durability while other people have experienced injuries has been a huge factor in keeping us afloat.”
Knicks began a four-game homestand last night …. G Chris Childs, who sat out second half Saturday against Nets with a bruised back, returned to the lineup yesterday.