Latrell Sprewell scored 23 points and Allan Houston added 22, including a pair of huge baskets in the final minute, as the Knicks rallied from a 17-point deficit to defeat the Houston Rockets, 89-86.
New York overcame a season-low eight points in the second quarter to win for the fourth time in five games and defeated Houston for the eighth time in 10 meetings at Madison Square Garden.
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from Rockets-Knicks: 56k | 300k  The Rockets lost their grip on Latrell Sprewell and the win. Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images |
After Marcus Camby's free throw brought the Knicks within 85-83 with 1:41 left, the Rockets put the ball into the hands of Rice, who shared the team lead with Kenny Thomas by scoring 20 points. But Rice misfired on a jumper from the left side.
Rice spent one turbulent season (2000-01) in a New York uniform. He clashed with coach Jeff Van Gundy over playing time, was hobbled throughout the year with a foot injury and finally was dealt in the offseason to Houston in a three-team trade.
"Glen is a very talented player," Van Gundy said. "Much has been written about his last year with us. Glen performed very well for us last year. When he started for us he played well, and coming off the bench he competed at a high level in the playoffs."
Despite averaging just 8.4 points entering the night, Rice found his shooting stroke Monday and was 9-of-17 from the field.
"It was a good game," Rice said. "I've always been the type of player that would rather have the 'W.' I had a great time here. The people here were nice to me, the organization was nice. I didn't come here tonight to try and get any revenge."
"I think he is probably much happier in his role there (Houston)," Van Gundy added. "He was great for us last year. I have nothing but good things to say."
Rice's miss in the waning moments allowed Houston to bury a long jumper from the left wing with 54 seconds left, forcing an 85-85 tie. Moochie Norris missed for the Rockets, and the Knicks went right back to Houston.
The New York shooting guard drove to the left baseline and launched a tough shot just over the outstretched arm of Rice. The ball hit nothing but net with 14 seconds to play, putting the Knicks on top for the first time since the second quarter.
"We've really been running the same play to get Sprewell and myself open from the wing," Houston said. "The play was designed for me to come off the pick and get open. I wanted to get a shot off and that's what happened."
Sprewell and Houston, who basically play the same position as Rice -- which led to the playing-time controversy last season -- both went 1-of-2 from the foul line in the final six seconds as the Knicks held on.
Camby collected 10 points and 14 rebounds for New York, which trailed, 66-49, with under four minutes to play in the third period before closing the quarter on an 11-4 run to make it a 10-point contest.
Former Rocket Othella Harrington contributed 14 points and six rebounds off the bench for the Knicks, who had one of their best shooting games of the season, connecting on 51 percent (38-of-75) from the field, including 5-of-11 3-pointers.
"I love Othella Harrington," said Van Gundy. "That guy to me epitomizes what a professional should be. He may get overmatched some nights size-wise and not have the numbers that he had tonight. He comes out early, he works at his game, he plays every night with heart and passion. I think we as a group can learn a lot from him."
Norris and rookie Oscar Torres had 11 points apiece for Houston, which shot 45 percent (35-of-78) and was outrebounded, 40-34.
The Rockets used a 15-3 third-quarter burst to go on top by 17. The run featured a 3-pointer by Rice and was capped by Norris' 17-footer.