Nets Mourning loss, not Mutombo move

The same could not be said for Damone Brown, who might have lost a chance to stay in the Garden State.

Williams scored 13 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter to rally the Knicks to an 84-82 exhibition victory over the Nets on Tuesday night in Mutombo's first game against his former teammates since being waived on Oct. 7 after an injury-marred season.

"I think I'm getting there," Mutombo said. "I just need more practices and I should be full speed by the time we play the first game."

The four-time NBA defensive player-of-the-year had six points, seven rebounds and three blocks in 23 minutes. He went head-to-head with his longtime Georgetown buddy, Alonzo Mourning, most of the night.

"It's been a while since I've been out there that long," Mutombo said. "I feel great. I am very pleased with my result."

Mourning, whose offseason signing made Mutombo expendable, had eight points and eight rebounds in his first start for New Jersey, which lost for the second time in six exhibition games.

"He looked really good out there," Mourning said of Mutombo. "He is going to help them a lot."

Brown, who is fighting for the final spot on the Nets' roster, didn't help his chances. He missed six of eight free throws in the final 3:44, including two with 2.9 seconds to play with New Jersey down by a point.

"Everybody waits for a moment like that, to have a chance to go to the line and win the game," Brown said. "Unfortunately, it didn't go my way today."

Shandon Anderson added 15 points for the Knicks, while Allan Houston had 12 in 24 minutes in his first action of the preseason.

Jason Kidd led New Jersey with 12 points, nine assists and six rebounds. He had eight points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals in the third quarter in helping the Nets take a 65-57 lead.

Williams, who had 25 points in the Knicks' first six preseason games, hit two 3-pointers in a personal eight-point run that got New York back in the game at the start of the fourth quarter.

"One game doesn't determine anything," said Williams, who was 7-of-11 from the field. "I still have a lot to do. I still have a lot to learn. My confidence level is a lot higher this year and I'm having fun."

A jumper by free-agent Matt Carroll gave the Knicks the lead for good at 75-74 with 6:06 to play.

Keith Van Horn missed the game against his former Nets' teammates with a strained left groin.