Stephon Marbury took himself out of the Knicks' lineup yesterday after attempting to play over the weekend while grieving his father's death. Marbury spoke with Isiah Thomas Sunday night and let him know he was going to take a little more personal time.
After his father's death a week ago Sunday, Marbury missed last Wednesday's game against the Nets but returned to the lineup Friday in Philadelphia. He tried to play Saturday against the 76ers at the Garden but was unable to get through the pregame introductions without getting emotional. "When they did the moment of silence at the start of the game . . . I just think it was just too emotional for him," Thomas said. Marbury had six points in 24 minutes a day after scoring two in 13 minutes.
Thomas gave no indication about when he expects Marbury to be ready to come back. Jamal Crawford started at the point and Fred Jones was at shooting guard.
Trading Rose not in plans
Malik Rose was inactive for the second straight game, and Thomas acknowledged that it was Rose's call. The veteran said that if Thomas doesn't plan to use him in a particular game, he would prefer to put in a full workout instead of sitting on the bench. The next logical step would be to request a trade to a team that could use his services, but Thomas said he has no plans to trade Rose or anyone else. (...)
