McGrady's debut, fans' reaction excited even Reed

GREENBURGH, N.Y. - The electric atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was palpable even through the television screen, Willis Reed said.

"It was like all the days when Patrick [Ewing] was here and when Pat Riley was here and they had all the really good teams and how all the fans were gung-ho and like, 'Not in our building. We're going to get it done,' " he said, referring to Tracy McGrady's Knicks debut in Saturday night's overtime loss to Oklahoma City. "I saw that kind of enthusiasm last night and I hope it can continue."

Reed, who watched yesterday's Knicks practice alongside team president Donnie Walsh, said Saturday's game "gives us a glimmer of hope.''

He said with a smile, "I'm just hoping that before I pass to the great beyond, we can have another championship."