KNICK NOTES

Allan Houston still believes he can return, but he knows that his next time on the court will almost certainly be his last chance of proving he’s healthy this season.

“I’ve come back too soon so many times,” said Houston, who worked out while the Knicks practiced yesterday. “This time, there won’t be a question. I can’t afford to take steps back anymore. Then I’m not helping the cause at all.”

It’s been awhile since Houston has done much for the Knicks, and although his deteriorating knees have limited him to 20 games this year, the former All-Star remains optimistic that his season is not over.

“I’m very confident I’ll be back before the end of the season,” Houston said as his teammates prepared to start the second half of their year tonight in Detroit. “I’m getting stronger and healthier.”

His new coach didn’t sound quite so sure.

“I’ve got my fingers crossed,” Herb Williams said. “But I’m not sure where he is right now. When he gets healthy, he’ll let us know.”

Houston has played in 20 of the team’s 53 games, starting only 11. In his limited time, he’s averaging 11.9 points

He said he learned from the mistake he made earlier this year when he played in a game after only one practice. He last suited up Jan. 19.

“If I had to do it again, I would have waited a couple more practices,” Houston said. “You can’t rush the healing process.”

Still, at times it seems as if Houston’s healing process is endless and that his knee injury has become more a part of his game than his jump shot.

Nevertheless, Houston refused to give up hope that he would be a part of the Knicks’ desperate attempt to reach the playoffs.

“I’m on a good path right now,” Houston said. “I continue to believe it’s going to happen.”

And he dismissed the notion that it might be best for him not to try to come back.

“The only advantage would be is if I wasn’t 100 percent,” Houston said. “I believe I will be.”

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Bruno Sundov missed practice while still taking care of a family matter. He will return to the team tonight in Detroit.