Isiah Thomas' recent aberrant behavior has created a mountain of theories. (He also acted like a zombie for two straight days in South Carolina). Thomas could be fearing for his job, adhering to the letter of James Dolan's unofficial media policy of not saying anything negative about the team - a rule Larry Brown broke daily and became a big issue when Dolan tried to void his contract.

Dolan arrived with a stern look an hour before tip-off and sat in his customary baseline seat by the Knicks' bench. He was seen smiling in the fourth quarter. "He said, 'hello, goodbye,' that's it," Thomas said.

When the appeal is over, anything can happen with Thomas if the Knicks begin the season poorly.