In the eyes of Knick rookie Nate Robinson, a double standard exists.

"Honestly it feels like whenever we foul somebody, it's like, 'Oh, they fouled him too hard,' or, 'They try to play too dirty,' " said Robinson, a central figure in a fourth-quarter scuffle that drew three technical fouls in the Nets' 109-101 victory over the Knicks at the Garden.

"But if another team fouls us too hard or slaps us in the face, it's all right. That's what it feels like."

The play last night that got technicals for Robinson, teammate Quentin Richardson and Net Richard Jefferson came with 7:07 left. After a Knick turnover, the Nets were on a 2-on-1. Jefferson fed Jacque Vaughn, who was fouled hard by Robinson. The rookie ended the sequence with a shove and grab of Vaughn's uniform. Jefferson interceded and lots of jawing ? and the Ts ? ensued.

"Holiday cheer," said Vaughn. "Just a hard foul."