NBA

Spurs’ Jackson sprains ankle tripping over Bloomberg’s waitress

The Knicks notched 26 assists in Thursday night’s 100-83 victory over the Spurs, but Mayor Bloomberg may need to get awarded their 27th.

One of San Antonio’s key scorers, Stephen Jackson, was lost for the game late in the first quarter — partly because of the mayor’s presence.

Jackson sprained his right ankle, along celebrity row when, after missing a shot, he backed into and tripped over a waitress who was taking orders in front of Mayor Bloomberg.

Jackson, who logged 2:50 of action, did not return, finishing 0-for-2 (both 3-point tries). It was unclear if Bloomberg was giving an order at the time, but he was drinking a water and eating popcorn minutes after the unfortunate incident.

Jackson did not speak to reporters after the game and a call to Mayor Bloomberg’s press officer wasn’t immediately returned. A San Antonio paper reported Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said he had not seen the incident, but would take a look at it on tape.

* Even if Amar’e Stoudemire attempted to compliment coach Mike Woodson’s defensive teachings, his remarks Wednesday were a slap at former Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni.

Though D’Antoni’s name wasn’t mentioned, Woodson saw through it, too, and disagreed with Stoudemire’s implication that the former Knicks and Suns coach who now leads the Lakers doesn’t teach defense. Stoudemire said he was delighted to finally have a “defensive coach’’ in Woodson.

“I’m not going there with you guys,’’ Woodson said. “I think Mike D’Antoni is a great coach. He does a number of wonderful things on both ends of the floor. Amar’e is entitled to his opinion, but I think every coach in this league is a great coach. It’s not an easy job by no means.’’

Woodson was asked if he resents being labeled a defensive coach because some of his colleagues believe he runs a good offense.

“I would like to think I’m OK,’’ Woodson said. “I’m not the best defensive coach, but I feel good about putting defensive schemes together. The good year we had the last year in Atlanta we were in the top 10 in defense and top three in terms of offense. Anytime you put yourself in that position, you win your share of games. I feel good about teaching both ends of the court.’’

It was not the first time Stoudemire has blamed D’Antoni for his defensive — and offensive — shortcomings. Late last season, after D’Antoni resigned, Stoudemire made an odd remark that Suns coach Alvin Gentry was the only coach who ever stressed defense with him.

After last season ended, Stoudemire blamed D’Antoni for never having developed a post game.

* Marcus Camby made his first start of the season, replacing Kurt Thomas in a two-center alignment with Tyson Chandler in an attempt by Woodson to get the Knicks out of their recent slow starts. It tightened the defense as Camby finished with six rebounds and a block. Thomas did not play.