Stephon Marbury started his New Year's Resolution a few days early as he returned to Knicks' practice on Saturday after nine days away from the team.

It was his third return to the team since his father Don died on Dec. 2.

Marbury participated in all of the team's drills in Greenburgh and stayed after practice to shoot jump shots and layups to try to get back in game shape.

On Thursday, Marbury told a Knicks' public relations official that he planned to return to the team some time after the New Year.

Isiah Thomas said he didn't think Marbury would play in today's game against the Bulls at the Garden, but Marbury may be forced to suit up because guard Jamal Crawford is listed as questionable with an injured right hand.

Crawford, the Knicks' leading scorer (19.2 ppg), said he bumped his hand on a teammate's knee during Friday's practice while trying to fight through a pick. Crawford will have X-rays this morning to determine the extent of the injury.