Timely defense. Big shots. Clutch free throws.

Who are these guys?

The struggling Knicks finally played a familiar brand of basketball and refused to yield the right of way, posting an 89-82 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers last night at Madison Square Garden.

Allan Houston scored 23 points to lead the charge, but Howard Eisley stole the show in his long-awaited debut.

When the backup guard's name was called, the impact was immediate ? and well-timed. With five losses in the previous six games, the Knicks needed a victory to restore some confidence and change the mood.