Sports

CAMBY MAN HOPES HE CAN TONIGHT

KNICK NOTES

Marcus Camby shrugged his shoulders and announced himself, “a game-time decision” for tonight against Dallas.

He said his knee is “a little better” and noted he was worked on by “some guy” after Saturday’s game.

When pressed Camby said the “guy” was a friend of trainer Mike Saunders who did some “magnetic type-things” on his knee.

“He did some rubbing and digging to see what is making my knee feel gritty,” Camby explained.

Later, a Knicks public relations executive said the therapist was Andre Hall, who is teaching Saunders a course on “Soft Tissue Mobilization.” He used Camby as a teaching tool.

“I want to play,” Camby added emphatically. “I hate sitting there while the guys are fighting and competing. It’s eating me up. I want to get back.”

*

Kurt Thomas played 40 minutes against Orlando on Saturday and called it an “eye opener.”

Why?

“Because I had never done it before,” Thomas said. “I usually play 30 or 33 minutes and that extra seven is a lot. I’m a little tired but it’s all about mindset. I can do it and I enjoyed it. You won’t hear any complaints here.”

It didn’t hurt that the 6-foot-9 Thomas lost about 15 pounds — perhaps more — since last year.

“That helped a lot,” Thomas admitted. “People are now telling me I’m too skinny. But I haven’t gotten on a scale in a while. Last year, I was 248, easy, and last I checked I was 238.”

While Thomas played 40 minutes, he wasn’t overly effective, collecting six points and six rebounds. Before the season, he stated his goal was to average double figures in both categories but denied yesterday he was disappointed.

“That’s a goal,” he explained. “Until I reach that, I don’t think I’ve reached my potential, but if I don’t reach it, I don’t think I’m having a terrible season. You have to keep your head up.”

*

Patrick Ewing stayed after practice to play three-on-three yesterday with mostly bench players. Van Gundy admitted the exercise was primarily used to watch Ewing, but also gave the coach time to evaluate DeMarco Johnson — who was activated when Larry Johnson went on the injured list — the struggling John Wallace and April signee Mirsad Turkcan.

“I wanted to see if we should be using Wallace at the four [position] or not play the four at all,” Van Gundy said. “Maybe we should use DeMarco there. Also to see if Turkcan can earn the chance to back up at the three.”