Mike D'Antoni says up-tempo style should suit Knicks

By Larry Fine

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said on Tuesday there are many ways to win basketball games but that he preferred the up-tempo, run-and-gun style he fashioned in Phoenix with the Suns.

"I can adjust my style," D'Antoni told reporters at a Madison Square Garden news conference after signing to replace Isiah Thomas as coach of the Knicks.

Pressed for what sort of hoops style he liked best, D'Antoni was quick with a reply.

"We want to run and we want to be exciting," he said. "I just think that's a great way to play and the players love it.

"But you have to be successful at it. You have to play defense. I want to win a championship. You have to have all the components -- rebounding, defense and great offense. We will tinker with it until we get those components in the mix."

D'Antoni, utilizing point guard extraordinaire Steve Nash to run his open floor attack, had great success in Phoenix though he fell short of his championship goal.

In four full seasons guiding the Suns, D'Antoni amassed a 232-96 record that included three Pacific Division titles and two trips to the Western Conference finals.

Before joining Phoenix, D'Antoni was a noted figure in Italian basketball both as a player and coach.  Continued...