Knicks owner James Dolan gave an extremely rare interview, to Sports Illustrated, in its long feature on the Knicks in this week’s issue. Dolan, who normally talks just to beat writers twice a year, didn’t sound like an owner ready to fire Isiah Thomas at season’s end.

“I think he’s grown quite a bit,” Dolan said of Thomas. “He really feels he has control of his destiny. I think he’s learning just how good he can be and I think he’s better than even he might have thought he was going to be – as a person, as a coach, as a basketball professional. I’ve enjoyed watching him, particularly this year, apply himself.”

Dolan also explained why he sits right in the front row, baseline, yards from the Knicks’ bench – to send a message to the players. “There’s somebody here who’s the owner of the joint,” Dolan said. “They’re playing for somebody. It’s me. I’m actually looking at them and saying, I sign your check.”

The SI writer tracked the Knicks on-and-off since last spring for the piece that also delved into Dolan’s blues band and bout with alcoholism. “My sobriety is who I am now,” Dolan said.

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Nate Robinson talked Tuesday about new stuff he’s got planned for Las Vegas during All-Star Weekend when he defends his Slam-Dunk title Feb. 18. But right now the 5-9 Robinson has bigger things to worry about – a shrinking role on this team.

Robinson, who played only the last 42.2 seconds of Tuesday’s blowout win over the Clippers, hasn’t been the same sparkplug since returning from his 10-game ban stemming from the Denver brawl. In an attempt to settle his emotions, Robinson has lost the wild streak that made him effective.

Robinson, in the 16 games since returning, has one DNP and is averaging just 5.4 points in 16 minutes. Robinson believes he didn’t play because of the Clippers tall guards.

“They’re a big team,” Robinson said. “I came in the game knowing beforehand these guards are 6-4, 6-5 and above. So it’s going to be pretty tough. And the way guys are playing, we’re rolling right now. When my number is called, I’ll be ready.”

Steve Francis’ return on the West Coast trip should diminish Robinson’s minutes more.

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The Knicks’ ball movement the past few weeks has been crisp now that Eddy Curry has adjusted to passing out of the double-team. “He’s starting to get used to the different looks that he’s getting,” David Lee said. “He really didn’t get doubled last year. It’s a little adjustment period. He better get used to it.”