CHICAGO — Eddy Curry’s left-knee injury is a mystery as big as his girth.
Back in his hometown yesterday, Curry sounded like a confused soul, unable to play — or explain why his left knee mysteriously is in pain again after his two-game, 9:20 stint.
Curry did not rule himself out of playing before the season finale next Wednesday against the Nets, but missed his fourth straight in last night’s 110-103, fourth-quarter meltdown to the Bulls at United Center that solidified Chicago’s playoff position.
The Knicks dropped to 30-48 after blowing a 90-85 lead with 9:23 left. The Bulls staged a 15-0 run midway through the quarter, putting them up 100-90. Wilson Chandler (26 points) nailed a 3-pointer that pulled the Knicks within 104-103 with 22.1 seconds left, but the comeback ended there.
After the game, coach Mike D’Antoni came out to talk to reporters but was summoned back by assistant Herb Williams. D’Antoni had neglected to address the team. “I forgot I had a team in there,” D’Antoni said.
Curry will meet with Knick doctors today — his latest setback signaling an arthritic condition.
Curry played just nine total minutes before shutting it down in Denver a week ago.
“I was surprised, [the doctors] were surprised, too,” Curry said. “There’s really nothing we can do about it, just trying to control the swelling. At this point, they haven’t said I need surgery. There’s no real quick fix for it.”
Curry began the season with a bone bruise on his right knee. Then he supposedly hurt his left knee from overcompensating. D’Antoni is beyond disappointed with Curry. The coach said last weekend he expected Curry to be done for the season. Curry didn’t concur.
“It’s disappointing,” Curry said. “I’m still trying to see where I am. I haven’t completely canceled the season.”
The Knicks plan to shop Curry but it’s unlikely they’ll find a taker. “I’m only concerned with being ready to go next season,” Curry said. “Hopefully it’s for the Knicks. I’ll be ready to go if it’s somebody else.”
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Rookie Danilo Gallinari underwent “successful” back surgery yesterday, according to the team. Called a laminotomy, the procedure shaved a bone by the nerve root. Gallinari, who played 28 games, averaging six points, will be recovered in six to eight weeks, but the Knicks aren’t sure they want him playing July’s summer league in Las Vegas. . . . Tim Thomas, obtained from the Knicks Feb. 19 for Larry Hughes, missed the game because of personal reasons. . . . D’Antoni said Courtney Sims, the 6-foot-11 center who won the D-League MVP Award Monday, could see first action today when Knicks host Pistons. “I think I can help out this team,” Sims said, who averaged 22.8 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks in the D-League.
Bulls 110 Knicks 103