Team now thriving in the interior

--The Lin Effect has been most noticed by how the offense has been transformed from one that relied heavily on perimeter shots to one that now functions more on the interior. Against the Timberwolves, the Knicks scored 52 of their 100 points in the paint, which is the third time in the five-game winning streak that they have scored over 50 points in the paint. The team was among the bottom third of the league in that category, at 38 per game, before Lin became a regular in the rotation. In the five games since? They're averaging 47.2 points in the paint per game, a nod to Lin's dribble penetration and passing to big men for layups and dunks.

--Nine members from the Knicks organization, including injured players Carmelo Anthony and Baron Davis, attended the funeral of Amar'e Stoudemire's older brother, Hazell Stoudemire, on Saturday in Lake Wales, Fla. Amar'e broke down a few times while eulogizing his brother, who died in a car accident early Monday morning. He was 35. Amar'e, who has missed the last four games mourning his brother's death, will re-join the team for practice on Monday.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"Over-rated!" -- Chant from Target Center crowd in Minnesota directed at Knicks sensation Jeremy Lin, who a week ago was a twice-waived 15th man on the roster.

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