New York Knicks coach Don Chaney issued a blunt and bold challenge to forward Latrell Sprewell.

"I told (Sprewell) at halftime, 'If (Raptors guard Vince) Carter plays 48 minutes, you're going to play 48,' " Chaney said.

As it turned out, both Sprewell and Carter played all 48 minutes for their respective teams last night. But Sprewell's minutes were far more effective, as he racked up a game-high 35 points and helped hold Carter to a horrid 6-for-23 shooting night in the Knicks' 96-92 win.

The victory allowed the Knicks to snap an ugly eight-game losing streak, which reached its apex with a 111-68 loss to the visiting Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on Monday. Sprewell didn't score and went 0-for-9 in that game.