LOS ANGELES — So now Tyson Chandler has a stiff neck too. Wonderful.
The Knicks announced yesterday Chandler missed his second straight game not because of his badly bruised left knee but because of a strained muscle in his neck. However, Chandler limped out of the locker room yesterday and didn’t stop to talk to reporters.
While Carmelo Anthony’s recently drained right knee is not expected to be ready for combat tonight in Utah, Chandler is closer to action. It’s become strange why Anthony even bothered to fly back to Los Angeles.
The Knicks said Chandler’s knee is virtually healed and the Knicks center has played through a sore neck earlier this season. Chandler said Wednesday night after the Denver game that he is very willing to play hurt, especially with the Knicks on the verge of an embarrassing 0-5 West Coast trip that will be hard to live down.
“I feel if I can get up and down the court and give them something, I’ll do so,’’ Chandler said after the Denver game when he banged knees with Corey Brewer.
* Kenyon Martin, disappointed the Clippers didn’t re-sign him after last season, had told The Post yesterday’s game was “personal.” Afterward, he wasn’t about to dish out credit to L.A. for its high-flying dunks in the 93-80 loss. Martin was assessed a flagrant foul in the fourth quarter, slapping Ryan Hollins, a questionable call. Martin was still riled afterward. Asked what the Clips exploited, Martin said, “They didn’t exploit nothing. They made a few shots in the third.’’ Asked if he has bad blood with the Clips, Martin said, “Next Question.’’ Martin added, “I don’t care how they do. I hope they lose every game.’’
* In an unusual development, Jason Kidd and his former Nets shooting coach, Bob Thate, who works for Clippers, met before yesterday’s game for a half-hour to chat about his recent 3-point woes. It worked. Kidd was 3 of 5 from beyond the 3-point line, making three straight in the second quarter, and scored 11 points.
“I talked to him,’’ Kidd said. “He helped out a little bit of what I was doing wrong. I’ve known him for a long time.” His family. I’m happy he’s working. He just wanted to point out a couple of things just like any caddy would try to help you out.’’
The Knicks hired Dave Hopla as shooting coach this season.