Knicks bounce back to beat Bucks, 91-88

NEW YORK -- Moments after sparking a big comeback, Jamal Crawford went back onto the court and told the fans he was sorry about the previous game.

The Knicks had nothing to apologize for Friday.

Crawford made the go-ahead basket with 28 seconds left, and the Knicks erased a 17-point deficit to beat the Milwaukee Bucks, 91-88.

One night after they were accused of quitting during a 104-59 loss in Boston, the Knicks surged back in the fourth quarter to win for the third time in four games.

Crawford said his apology during a postgame interview wasn’t scripted, but felt it was something the fans needed to hear.

“That’s not who we are, honestly, and their support means everything,” he said. “So it was a tough loss and I’m glad we bounced back tonight.”

Crawford and Zach Randolph led New York with 25 points apiece. Fred Jones provided a huge spark by scoring all of his 10 in the fourth quarter in place of Stephon Marbury, who had 13 points but left midway through the third quarter because of a right shoulder muscle spasm.

“Definitely don’t want to get into the game while someone else is injured,” Jones said.

“But it was something I’ve been praying about and my prayers were answered to get on the floor, and it was pretty much up to me to make the rest happen.”

Michael Redd scored 27 points for the Bucks, but missed two late three-point attempts in Milwaukee’s third consecutive loss.