The television interviewer began the question to Patrick Ewing like this: “From someone used to being a great player … “

The interviewer couldn’t get another word out. Ewing interrupted him, shot him a glare and said, “I’m still a great player. I’m still a great player.”

The Knick captain said it one more time for emphasis in case any of the 20 reporters surrounding his locker hadn’t heard him.

Interpret it the way you want. It’s probably Ewing’s large ego still at work. Surely, Ewing’s ego is not apparent yet on the court.

He’s not looking to dominate the offense in his first two games, scoring seven and nine points, respectively, while averaging a modest 9.5 shots a game. But what about when he gets back into the “rhythm” he predicts he’ll enter in two weeks. Stay tuned.