He played with enthusiasm, throwing crisp passes, running the offense with confidence, and forcing the Knicks to play up-tempo basketball that excited the near-capacity crowd.

The Nets entered Friday night's preseason finale against the Knicks, a team looking to play up-tempo basketball, allowing an average of 105.1 points in seven games.

While Coach Don Chaney still wants to play up-tempo basketball, he is forced to make strategic adjustments.

The first half featured nine lead changes and four ties, with each team playing up-tempo but jittery basketball.

Both teams play the kind of up-tempo basketball that Auriemma thinks will attract converts to women's basketball.

In doing so, he hopes to give Knicks fans what they have craved for so long: up-tempo basketball.

As for playing style, the Knicks will play up-tempo basketball, running at every opportunity.

Los Angeles still likes to play up-tempo basketball, but Johnson and Worthy have become the two main scoring threats in their set offense.

For the most part, they do not play up-tempo basketball, pushing the ball up court consistently as do the Phoenix Suns or Charlotte Hornets.

"I feel more comfortable playing up-tempo basketball," Eisley said.