NBA

Mike’s not in Phoenix anymore

By MARC BERMAN

NOTES FROM PRACTICE:

Mike D’Antoni got his first taste of what it’s like to be grilled in New York about a controversial incident today after being caught on MSG Network, mouthing curses while fans were chanting “We Want Steph.” After he acknowledged he reacted too strongly to the chant, he was summoned by Knicks P.R. to deny the curses were aimed at the fans. D’Antoni is missing The Arizona Republic right now.

Stephon Marbury was impeccably behaved today despite his out-of-the-blue yanking from the rotation. He’s protecting his $21.9 million, figuring James Dolan is capable of taking him to court if he trashes the organization. What a franchise.

Knicks will be holding their shootaround tomorrow morning while the Phillies begin their championship parade that will wind up in the stadium area. The Knicks won’t have to worry about their own parade. In fact, D’Antoni said specifically during preseason the Knicks weren’t going to win a championship this year. It’s also motivating for the players that he talks about this season being about developing players for next year. The Knicks, who lead the league in payroll at $97.7 million, are the only 1-0 team with the rallying cry, “Wait Till Next Year.” If the Knicks lose tomorrow, D’Antoni can blame the parade traffic.

Thanks for the ton of comments from the last blog and just wanted to add one to.those who blame Marbury for everything but the economic crash. The first year he got here, in early January, he led the Knicks on a major turnaround and into the 2004 playoffs. The next season Jamal Crawford got here. The rest is history: 33-49, 23-59, 33-49, 23-59. Why is it only Marbury’s fault and not the fault of Crawford, Curry, Quentin, Nate etc. Marbury is the lone player left from that playoff season.

Onto Philly and please be free to name the score: Sixers 121, Knicks 101.