Marc Berman reports that in a bizarre scene that lasted nearly a minute, Klein caused a commotion when he wobbled over from his celebrity-row seat to Sprewell and struck up a conversation while Spree was trying to in-bounds the ball. Klein was escorted back to his seat by security so play could continue.

Witnesses said Klein had spent the game munching on potato chips and sipping on beverages. The incident occurred with three minutes left in last night's victory over the Raptors.

Klein, wearing jeans and a gray pullover, shouted, "Sprewell" after he returned to his seat.

Sprewell looked befuddled as Klein approached and said afterward he didn't know who it was until a Knicks p.r. staffer informed him in the locker room.

Klein then tried to barrel onto the court at the buzzer, perhaps to congratulate the Knicks for sticking in the playoff race. "I was a little surprised," Sprewell said. I had no idea [it was him]. I was wondering if security was going to come over at some point."

Sprewell wouldn't say what Klein told him, but the Knick star was more amused than angry. "I'm going to keep that to myself," Spree said. "I don't want to get into it."

Sources said Klein got his tickets through the NBA, not the Knicks. Klein attends Knick games periodically, but never before had caused a ruckus before.