Eddy Curry received one of the loudest ovations before the Knicks' Garden opener last night, but the fans hardly got a chance to see him the rest of the night.

The 6-foot-11 center was solid when he was on the floor, but foul trouble made it nearly impossible for him to stay out there and his absence contributed to the Knicks' 86-75 loss to the Wizards.

"I felt good when I was out there, but I've got to be more responsible with my fouls," said Curry after his 12-point, five-rebound performance in which he lasted just 15 minutes. "I have to be able to stay in the game."