Novak's 14 points in fourth spark Knicks

Benchwarmers of the world, unite. Even as the No. 17 Knicks replica jerseys are flying off the shelves for a certain former fourth-string point guard, No. 16 should be a hot seller after its owner's exuberant display of critical long-range shooting in Sunday's 104-97 victory over the reigning NBA champion Mavericks.

"Oh, I don't think so," Steve Novak said of the souvenir market. "Mr. Lin has got that wrapped up."

A few weeks ago, the 6-10 Novak, like Jeremy Lin, was seen in practice but barely heard from in games. But now that there increasingly is room in the Knicks' cut-and-paste offense for former no-names, Novak's cold-blooded three-point touch in the game's big moments has Knicks icon/broadcaster Walt Frazier calling him "Novak-aine."

"I've heard that," Novak said. "I love it."

On Sunday, the Madison Square Garden sellout crowd loudly showed its affection for Novak's timely offense. After taking one shot and missing it in 11½ minutes through three quarters, Novak made five consecutive baskets in the first 4½ minutes of the fourth quarter -- four of those three-pointers -- to light the fuse on another Knicks comeback. Each of his 14 points came in the final quarter, when he scored all but one of the Knicks' first 15.

Dallas led 75-72 before Novak hit his first three-pointer and was down 87-81 -- never to lead again -- after he hit his last.

So even when Carmelo Anthony returns -- any minute now after missing seven games with a groin injury -- Mike D'Antoni promised that Novak "will play. He's got to play somewhere. We've got to figure out something."

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A sixth-year pro out of Marquette, Novak never was a starter in previous stops with Houston, the L.A. Clippers, Dallas and San Antonio. He never has averaged more than 6.9 points a game in a season. But his 14 were a metaphorical whack over Dallas' head with a two-by-four.

He maintains a career three-point accuracy of 43 percent. And, better, a lot of patience.

"You know, I've never been a 35-minute guy," Novak said. "I love to play. I try to get two-on-two games going after practice to stay ready, because you know your opportunity is going to come. Every year it does, because of the grind of the season.

"And this offense is perfect. There's two things you have to remember: Space the floor and let the game come to you. It's a basketball player's dream."