Knicks edge Bulls in OT

The New York Knicks proved that Saturday, overcoming Jordan's 46 points and incredible late-game heroics for a 102-99 overtime victory that cut Chicago's lead to 2-1 in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series.

``I never figured we were invincible,'' Jordan said after Chicago's first loss of the postseason. ``If there was an aura around us because of the 72 games we won in the regular season, I don't think [the players] felt that way.''

Game 4 is late today, and Game 5 will be Tuesday night at Chicago.

``We're disappointed and tired, and we expended a lot of energy,'' Jordan said. ``We wanted to sweep, but we still have an opportunity to win one game here.''

Like so many Knicks-Bulls games in past playoffs, this one was quite memorable. New York controlled the game until the final minute and a half, when Jordan, helped by two critical Knicks turnovers, erased an eight-point deficit all by himself.

But Jordan wasn't able to free himself for a good shot at the end of regulation, and passed the ball off at the end of overtime when Chicago needed a three-pointer to tie. Scottie Pippen ended up getting an open shot just before the buzzer, but it bounced off the front of the rim.

The Knicks were jubilant as they walked off the court, knowing they can tie the series if they can pull off another upset.

``We beat a great team,'' Knicks Coach Jeff Van Gundy said. ``I don't think our guys get enough credit for being resilient. I really respect how they bounced back and made big plays.''

John Starks led New York with 30 points, seven in overtime. Patrick Ewing overcame his fourth-quarter no-shows of Games 1 and 2 and finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds, and his jumper over Luc Longley with 38 seconds to play in overtime gave New York the lead for good, 98-97.

Jordan had the ball tipped away by Charles Oakley on the Bulls' next possession, and he fouled Starks after the ball got away. Starks calmly made two free throws for a 100-97 lead, and the Knicks gave up an uncontested dunk to Pippen with 13 seconds remaining.

Oakley was fouled two seconds later and made both free throws, forcing the Bulls to try a three-pointer for the tie. Jordan was double-covered and threw a crosscourt pass to Pippen, whose shot was short.

Pippen had 24 points and four three-pointers, but he and Jordan were the only Bulls to score in double figures.

``We're totally out of sync offensively, and I find myself bailing the team out because of it,'' Jordan said. ``I don't think we're shooting the ball with a lot of confidence, and you need confidence at this time of the year.''

Anthony Mason had 18 points and 10 rebounds, Oakley had 13 points and 13 rebounds, and Charlie Ward came off the bench to score 12 points for New York.