Malik Rose, who won two rings with the Spurs, knows the ingredients needed in a championship team so he knows what the Knicks lack. Contrary to Isiah Thomas' proclamation, Rose said the Knicks don't have what it takes inside the locker room to be a winner.

Rose said the Knicks are not like the Spurs whom they face tonight. When it comes to the makeup of the players, it's not even close. Rose referred to "heart," but also seemed to be referencing work ethic and ability to handle adversity.

"There are things that are different (in San Antonio) than here," said Rose, in his fourth season with the Knicks. "There are a few small things . . . that are the difference between winning and losing. In some instances you have to be born with them. In some instances you can work to get them. We need more of those things."

Rose also said the Knicks are made up of many disparate parts without any continuity as opposed to the Spurs, the prime example of constancy.