<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>The Knicks were nothing more than conscientious objectors during Boston's 113-89 victory Saturday at Mohegan Sun, a result that was never in doubt. The Celtics led by as many as 34 points in the third quarter as the Knicks provided little resistance. In fact, they helped trigger Boston's fast break by committing 31 turnovers."It was a good learning experience to see our team in a stressful situation and see how we respond and react to that," Thomas said. "Some guys passed and some guys failed."The Knicks practice offense, talk offense and want everyone to believe that a quick-paced style is the recipe for success. Even after Saturday's no-show performance, Thomas only chose to address the Knicks' offensive flaws.And because Thomas has to adhere to the Knicks' absurd media policies (always say something positive even if it means sacrificing your credibility) the Knicks' coach said the following moments after the blowout loss: "Tonight, we needed to try to play from behind. We needed to try to see if we could stay within our offense and execute."That statement ranks right up there with Garden chairman James Dolan saying in March: "It's unfortunate we're not winning but it's not integral to the strategy right now."Because Thomas is under immense pressure to be the anti-Brown and never criticize the players, he can't even be himself. Or do you really believe the Knicks purposely fell behind by 34 to test their resolve? Isiah Thomas of the Bad Boy Pistons never would have accepted a performance like the one the Knicks turned in against Boston.Privately, Thomas knows that the Knicks could be worse defensively than they were last year. Jared Jeffries, the free agent forward Thomas signed to be the defensive stopper, is out for two months. Three-fifths of the starting lineup - Stephon Marbury, Steve Francis and Eddy Curry - have never been strong defensive players. "There (are) things I have to learn about my team," Thomas said, "before the boat is launched off the dock."</div>SourceFinnaly Isiah put his head on defense this summer after getting Collins,Balkman,Jeffries. THis should toughen and beefin up the team.
