What coach Tim Floyd likes most about Saturday night's hard-working effort by his Bulls (1-2) is that they won.

What Floyd likes next about the 84-79 victory over the New York Knicks is that it was truly a collective effort. Reserve guard A.J. Guyton didn't play, but all the 11 other players contributed.

So, with his team having played three games in four nights and not scheduled to play again until the Detroit Pistons come to town Wednesday night, Floyd gave his team Sunday off to rest. The break was especially welcomed by seven-year veteran Fred Hoiberg, 29. Clearly, Hoiberg's injured right knee is hampering him.

By starting his most experienced players--Hoiberg, Greg Anthony, Charles Oakley, Ron Mercer and Brad Miller--Floyd also gives his young reserves a chance to come into a more positive game situation. The score is close, and the contest is competitive. Floyd is trying to protect his youngsters, especially teenage rookies Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler. He doesn't want to throw them to the wolves.

"I don't mind being brought along slowly as long as I get a chance to play regularly,'' Curry said. "This way, I can also better appreciate a good game like [Saturday night] when I have them.''