New York Knicks president Donnie Walsh said Stephon Marbury's situation has "spiraled down," but provided no solution Saturday for how the team will part ways with the disgruntled point guard.
Walsh said he would probably talk to Marbury and his representation from the players' association Monday to address a stalemate that turned ugly this week. Walsh has said he's opposed to buyouts and agreed that it's difficult to trade Marbury because of his salary of approximately $21 million, but it seems obvious the Knicks have to do something soon. Marbury isn't part of Coach Mike D'Antoni's plans and has been on the inactive list most of the season. However, D'Antoni twice asked Marbury if would play when the Knicks faced serious numbers problems.
Sore McGrady sits
Houston G Tracy McGrady missed the Rockets' game Saturday night against San Antonio because of a sore left knee. McGrady also sat out Wednesday night against Indiana and will miss the Rockets' game today in Denver. He played Houston's first 15 games, but said before training camp that his knee hurt and needed time to heal after arthroscopic surgery in May.
Warriors' Jackson out
Golden State scoring leader Stephen Jackson missed the Warriors' game against New York because of a sprained left wrist. Jackson was hurt sometime during the Warriors' five-game trip and aggravated the injury in a 112-97 loss at Cleveland.
Late Friday
Kobe Bryant scored a season-high 35 points and the host Lakers used a 17-0 run in the second half to beat Dallas 114-107 and win their sixth straight. . . . Brandon Roy had 25 points and 10 assists and host Portland used a 17-point, second-half run to beat the Hornets 101-86. . . . Raymond Felton tied a career high with 31 points and the Bobcats beat the host Pacers 115-108 in overtime.
