The New York Knicks lost a nail-biter to the Dallas Mavericks last night 99-89, but it was the heated exchange between Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas and season ticket-holders that got the media buzzin’. Thomas was overheard saying, “We’re missing layups because you’re booing” to some fans in the rows behind the Knicks bench—and Thomas is right. It’s a challenge to get that ball in the hole when 500 fans are chanting a lullaby of boos.

According to [season ticket-holder Mara] Altschuler, Thomas invoked the phrase “Sixth Man,” explaining what a crowd should be. Thomas mentioned Indiana and North Carolina as crowds that the Garden should emulate, she said. She said Thomas blamed a Quentin Richardson airball on the boos. Thomas could be seen by reporters in the third quarter exchanging words with fans, and did not deny it later.

Maybe one of the fans can coach the team. Does any fan think they can do a better job? Huh!? Whoopi! Whoopi! Where ya at Whoopi?! Someone should let Thomas know that the fans never get fired.

THE GARDEN OF HATE [NYPost]
Image [AP]