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Larry Brown returns to Madison Square Garden

Nov 5, 2008 - 11:11 PM Charlotte (1-2) at New York (1-2) 7:30 p.m. EST

NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Larry Brown visits Madison Square Garden for the first time since his departure from the New York Knicks when the Charlotte Bobcats face the coach's former team on Wednesday.

Brown, a Brooklyn native, was hired by the Knicks after leading the Detroit Pistons to the NBA Finals in consecutive seasons and winning the title in 2004-05.

However, he posted a 23-59 record during his first season in New York and was fired following the campaign due to a rift with Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan.

Brown sat out the next two seasons before returning to the bench with the Bobcats, who are coming off a 101-83 rout against the Detroit Pistons on Monday.

The Knicks were an embarrassment under Isiah Thomas, who replaced Brown and was eventually fired before this season.

New coach Mike D'Antoni hasn't fared much better in the early going and is currently enduring some drama with Stephon Marbury.

D'Antoni has deactivated the abrasive Marbury, who is owed nearly $22 million this season, and team president Donnie Walsh has supported his coach's decision.

While there have been reports that D'Antoni wants to waive Marbury, it does not appear that Walsh wants to go in that direction just yet.

In fact, after back-to-back losses following a season-opening win, many observers are wondering if Marbury could help the team.

The 31-year-old has averaged 19.7 points, 7.8 assists and three rebounds per game during his 12-year career.