KNICK NOTES

OAKLAND – Jeff Van Gundy has kept the threat hanging for days, ever since he benched Allan Houston for Shandon Anderson to start the second half Friday in Jersey. While Houston’s offensive game has been barely adequate, his defense has slipped even worse than last season’s disappointing campaign.

The Knicks did not make Houston the $100 Million Man to be the Sixth Man, but Van Gundy warned he will go with his better defensive players if the slide continues.

Houston is not lighting it up on the offensive end either, averaging 16.1 points on 43.3 percent shooting. He’s always been more of a jump shooter than driver but he’s looked sloppier and weaker than ever on his forays to the basket.

Houston said he’s now looking to find ways to take more shots. He has eight fewer attempts than Latrell Sprewell.

“I don’t think I’ve played like I want to play,” Houston said. “I’m trying to find spots where I can get a couple of more shots to give me a chance to be effective for us, be more energetic and get baskets in transition.”

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Kurt Thomas (sprained left ankle) participated in the morning shootaround, but was gimpy, saying “there’s a lot of stiffness in there.”

Thomas iced the ankle after the workout and said if he played last night it would be a “game-time decision.”

Van Gundy was amused when he learned during shootaround the Knicks-Golden State game had been bumped from MSG Network to “Metro.”

“It’s seen by four people,” Van Gundy cracked. “Even our own people are shutting us out.”