RECAP | BOX SCORE | GAME FLOW

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) _ This time, the New York Knicks found a way to beat Tim Duncan and David Robinson: Play them when it didn't count.

The Knicks beat San Antonio 91-80 Saturday night for their first exhibition win after four losses in a rematch of last year's NBA Finals, in which the Patrick Ewing-less Knicks were manhandled inside by the Twin Towers.

Ewing was absent this time, too, but the Knicks still managed to finish with a 52-39 rebound advantage. The Knicks sank 24 of 27 free throws, led by Allan Houston's 10-for-11.

Houston also led New York with 27 points, while John Wallace scored 15, Latrell Sprewell 14 and Charlie Ward 12. Kurt Thomas had 11 rebounds and Larry Johnson added 10.

There still was no stopping Duncan, who led the Spurs with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Robinson scored 12 points, while Terry Porter and Samaki Walker had 10 each for the Spurs (1-3).

The Knicks made an offer to Sprewell, their controversial star, a few hours before the game, and Sprewell's agent, Robert Gist, and Madison Square Garden president, Dave Checketts, both were happy.

``I think it's great,'' Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy said. ``We want him here.''

Gist had asked for the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement _ six years and $78 million. Gist said he spoke with Sprewell before the game and the player was excited about the offer, although the details have yet to be ironed out.

``The team is committed to winning,'' Houston said. ``The Knicks wouldn't do something they didn't feel sure about.''

Duncan, who led the Spurs to their first title in June and was the finals MVP, has until Oct. 31, two days before the season begins, to sign a contract extension with the Spurs. He could get a six-year extension for $70.9 million, or a seven-year deal next summer worth $86 million.

``I'm not talking about that right now,'' Duncan said when asked about his contract.

Ewing, whose season ended after the second game of the Eastern Conference finals against Indiana when he partially tore his Achilles' tendon, watched the game in street clothes.