David Lee fell victim to a Mike D'Antoni lashing about poor defense when the Knick coach called a timeout just nine seconds into the final quarter against Minnesota on Friday night, the New York Daily News is reporting.

The verbal assault came after Wolves' guard Sebastian Telfair blew by Lee to give the Timberwolves a 21-point lead.

"Deservedly so, it was my fault," said Lee, who finished with 12 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out with just over eight minutes left. "Sebastian got an easy layup, and he (D'Antoni) let me hear about it.

"Our defense has to get better," Lee added. "Everybody from top to bottom. It is not on one guy. We need to play with more energy."