Phoenix - New York: 94-87

NEW YORK (AP) -- Antonio McDyess injured his knee late in the fourth quarter of a 94-87 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night, the latest dose of misfortune to strike the New York Knicks this preseason.

After dunking a miss by teammate Howard Eisley, McDyess fell to the floor clutching his left knee. Surgery on the same knee limited McDyess to just 10 games last season.

McDyess was able to limp off the court under his own power, slamming the scorer's table with his hand as he headed to the locker room with 1:55 left. The initial diagnosis was a hyperextension, and McDyess was scheduled to undergo an MRI late Saturday night.

``I don't want to go through this again if it's anything major,'' McDyess said. ``I just can't do that. I'm just hoping it's something minor, I get it treated and I'm back soon.''

McDyess had 23 points and 15 rebounds before going down, his third straight solid performance for the team that acquired him from Denver in a five-player trade on draft night. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Knicks on a night when they committed 28 turnovers, including seven by Allan Houston and five each by Shandon Anderson and Kurt Thomas.

A serious injury to McDyess would be devastating to the Knicks, who already lost Latrell Sprewell for 6-to-8 weeks because of a broken bone in his right hand.

``I just pray it isn't too serious,'' coach Don Chaney said. ``He really is a stud. If he's healthy, he's destined for a great year.''

McDyess originally injured the knee during training camp a year ago and had surgery to repair the patella tendon. He returned and played 10 games, but soreness in the knee forced him to sit out the final month of the season.

``It's tough to take a hit like this, especially when you've seen how big a role he'll play and what he'll mean to the team,'' Houston said.

McDyess said he believed he injured the knee while landing following his dunk.

``I think I landed a little awkward and hyperextended it. I hope that's all it is,'' McDyess said.

The Knicks trailed by just one, 57-56, when Howard Eisley replaced newly anointed starter Charlie Ward at the point. Phoenix pressured Eisley in the backcourt and closed the quarter with a 12-5 run.

Shawn Marion beat Anderson on a backdoor move and converted an alley-oop dunk off a pass from rookie Amare Stoudemire for a 79-65 lead. Eisley scored seven straight points to bring the Knicks back, but he then shot an airball that the Suns turned into a breakaway dunk.

Marion led the Suns with 23 points. Joe Johnson added 17, Penny Hardaway 15 and Stephon Marbury -- who missed his first 11 shots -- added 13 points and eight assists.

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