Billups and Douglas ineffective in defeat

There was a belief that Toney Douglas' strong play at point guard during Chauncey Billups' injury absence meant the Knicks would be that much better once Billups returned. But the point guard position was the Knicks' weakest link in Sunday night's 106-93 loss to the Pacers.

Billups showed the rust of missing six games -- not to mention a lack of mobility -- with a deep thigh bruise by shooting 4-for-14 from the field, including 0-for-7 from three-point range. Billups had nine points, six rebounds, four assists and four turnovers in 34:33.

Billups wouldn't say how much the injury, and his lost time, had an effect on his shot.

"I don't know, my leg feels good,'' Billups said. "I'm not going to continue to address that. I don't make excuses. I was good enough to play, so it's not an issue. I just didn't shoot the ball well. No excuse.''

Douglas had his worst shooting night of the season, going 1-for-12 from the field, including 1-for-8 on three-pointers. He had three points, five rebounds, three assists and one turnover in 26:41. Douglas had averaged 16.6 points and 6.6 assists in the previous six games.

The Knicks, who have had a very efficient offense since the big trade that brought in Carmelo Anthony and Billups, totaled only 11 assists on 30 made field goals and shot only 36.6 percent from the field.

"It's a little understandable with Chauncey coming back,'' Mike D'Antoni said. "It does throw your rhythm off. He's such a big part. We'll have to get through that, figure out what we need to do and get a little better.''

Knicks fix

Former Amityville star A.J. Price played 9:43 for the Pacers and had seven points and two assists.