Isiah Thomas' quick third-quarter hook of Quentin Richardson led to a wild bench altercation that illustrated the mounting frustration and chaos of Team Titanic II.

Just 1:26 into the second half, Thomas yanked Richardson, who's endured a horrendous season as the starting small forward. Richardson, as he came to the bench, yelled at Thomas, who shot up out of his seat and went after the Knicks' veteran.

Assistant Coach Herb Williams hopped out of his chair to restrain Thomas, who in seconds settled down. Thomas walked over to Richardson's seat, knelt, chatted with him calmly for a few seconds before patting his side. Williams perhaps prevented a fistfight.

Thomas and Richardson both said after the 105-95 loss to the Bobcats that neither harbored ill feelings.

"Just trying to get some fire," Thomas said. "Trying to get some juice flowing through the veins. Sometimes you try to say something to a player and team to get them motivated to get some fire in them. There won't be any carryover to it to what was said."