D'Antoni: Role players deferring too much

Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni listed several reasons for his team's offensive inconsistencies of late, but the most noticeable, he said, is players sitting back while the Big 3 - Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups - take charge.

"I think some guys are deferring and watching a little bit too much," said D'Antoni, who also said the ball movement needs to improve. "It's like when you go to an All-Star Game and you sit there and you watch other guys play and you forget about your game. I think we have guys that are pressing a little bit and really are deferring. They're hesitant to shoot the basketball and be a part of the offense. I think they'll overcome that with experience."

Jeffries back with intangibles

Jared Jeffries may be a little rusty, but the 6-11 forward reminded Knicks fans just what type of player he is during Wednesday night's win over the Hornets.

The 29-year-old, who was re-signed Monday, gave the Knicks a much-needed spark when he entered the game with 2:21 remaining in the first quarter.

"The whole reason I'm here is to help us win games," said Jeffries, who grabbed six rebounds (four offensive) in 24:02. "And however I can do that: rebound, run the floor, hustle, play 'D'. The fans respect that when you're winning games.

"I haven't played that many minutes in eight months man, I was about to die out there," he later joked.

Jeffries was traded to Houston last year in the Tracy McGrady deal, but the Knicks believed his versatility could help them down the stretch this season.

"We all know it's no secret that defense is going to be the key and rebounding," D'Antoni said. "Jared came in and did a nice job. . . . He can show up defensively and we can get better with him."

Report: Brewer to Mavs

Two days after the Knicks waived Corey Brewer, the swingman reportedly has agreed to a deal with the Dallas Mavericks. Brewer, who turns 25 on Saturday, negotiated his release from the Knicks Monday. He still must clear waivers before he can be signed. "Well, if he wasn't going to play I think it was better for him to go somewhere else. Period," team president Donnie Walsh said. "I think he's got some upside. I do. I think he's got to work on his body.''