"Magic PG Rafer Alston grew up in Bayside, N.Y., and became a playground legend in Queens. Coming back to play in Madison Square Garden is always special because he had wanted to be a New York Knick since he was a kid.

"That's where it starts for everybody that's from New York City," Alston said. "Our dream was to one day play in this building. We all grew up as big-time Knicks fans. It was everyone's life-long dream to put on that Knick uniform."

Alston said he still gets goosebumps returning to the storied Garden.

"Each time I come back it kind of feels like the first. It's an amazing accomplishment to make it to this point and play in this building. So much has gone on here — not just basketball, but there's been concerts, boxing, everything has gone on here," Alston said.

Alston, a 10-year NBA veteran, said he would have been interested in playing for the Knicks. But whenever he became a free agent, the Knicks "seemed to have the point-guard position solidified.""