GREENBURGH, New York, April 3, 2007 -- The New York Knicks’ race for a playoff berth has reached a unique point, in that they are coming off of a two-game road trip during which they played extremely well in seemingly slim-chance games -- but still lost.

One to the best team in the NBA on a last-possession buzz-kill. And another in overtime after roaring back from a 15-point deficit during the second half.

Well, ouch -- and ouch. This has got to hurt big time, mentally, psychologically and in every other way hurting is possible.

How do you get over something like that and remind yourself that, in spite of everything, this is still very much a playoff race with the next two games coming up at home -- against Philadelphia and Minnesota -- beyond crucial? “You try to put the pain out of your heart and out of your mind,” forward Channing Frye said following practice at the team’s Madison Square Garden Training Center. “You get over it. You try to focus on all the positives you’ve gotten out of the two games. That’s part of what being a professional is all about.”

The Knicks are actually conversing about “how the kids are and how the wives are doing” a lot, according to Frye. “You keep it light. You try not to think about the task ahead too much -- then just go out there, focus in like crazy, and get the job done,” the second-year forward explained with a smile.

“We’ve become a pretty tough-minded group,” added Coach Isiah Thomas. “I don’t think we can be broken because of a loss. We won’t be denied because of a loss or two.”

Still, the team will need every weapon at their disposal in the week ahead -- and then some. “We’ll need our fans and we’ll need our crowd,” Thomas stressed. “They’ve been great. And we definitely need them because they give us a huge advantage at the Garden. When it’s on full blast, it’s a place that definitely has an affect on the opponent.”

“We’re battling from behind and we’re chasing,” said Thomas. “It’s April, we’re two back, and we still got a chance. But it’s uphill for us. We have to win.”

“We’re asking for everybody’s support right now,” Frye said. “These home games are huge for us. We have the mental fortitude to just stay with it. We’ve got to feed off of the energy at the Garden. The fans just want us to play hard. That’s what got us this opportunity -- and that’s what we’ll keep on doing.”

In order to gain every possible edge, Thomas has even taken up for his players -- Stephon Marbury, in particular -- even more than it’s been his custom. “I speak up for ALL my players,” he said. “My coaches did it for me -- and that’s the way it‘s supposed to be. That’s one of the job responsibilities I feel the coach should have and take on.”

“It’s not a gesture,” added Thomas. “I thought my perception (regarding Marbury failing to get his share of calls on drives to the basket) was accurate. So this isn’t some good will gesture, not at all. It’s a true observation from my standpoint. That’s just what I see.”

“You don’t ever get ‘the whistle’. I don’t believe that this league, or the officials, favor anybody. I think everyone gets a fair look. I don’t think there’s an agenda. But I do believe that perceptions, at times, can cloud judgement. I do believe that.”