Isiah Thomas yesterday renewed his pleas for patience with Eddy Curry, the Knicks' young center who has struggled at times.

"We have a lot of time," Thomas said after practice in Greenburgh. "We're not asking Eddy to dominate the league at 23 years of age. That's a tall task for anyone. I don't remember too many 23-year-olds coming in and dominating, regardless of how long they've been in the league. Twenty-three is still 23."

"I saw Patrick Ewing in the gym (Saturday) night," Thomas said. "I remember Patrick at 23. Do you remember what the Knicks' record was when Patrick was 23? ... I'm just saying, it takes awhile."