By Ralph Hayden
The Knicks suffered a despicable defeat to the mediocre Pacers. It's disappointing for the club that took a giant step toward a future NBA championship three weeks ago with the Carmelo Anthony histrionics.

Both Tyler Hansbrough and Roy Hibbert embarrassed the Knicks last night with their energy and gutsy game. With the Pacers missing their best player due to a flu, Danny Granger, Hansbrough fetched himself a career-high 29 points, while Hibbert blocked five shots and as the Pacers bested the Knicks all around the Garden in a 106-93 win.

The loss was worsened with the return of Chauncey Billups to the lineup that put the Knicks (34-31) off track and had them trail the 28-38 Pacers by 20 points in the third quarter. Indiana shot 57 per cent, as the Knicks were at a poor 36.6 per cent.

Billups made it worse with a 4 of 14 shooting performance, as Carmelo Anthony folded in the second half, scoring only five of his 25 points. Billups' return sent Toney Douglas back to the bench, and he was at a pathetic 1 of 12.

Amar'e Stoudemire was the only Knick to battle as he shook off foul trouble to score 28 points, and sustain a bloody nose after an elbow from Jeff Foster. Stoudemire may have had two of his rim forays blocked by Hibbert, but at least he took the fight.

"Chemistry, we just had Chauncey back for the first time in a while," said Stoudemire. "Not to make excuses but we're still working at trying to figure out our identity. Sometimes it takes losses like this, but we have to make sure we're ready for those guys in the next 48 hours."