His play, initially spotty, has begun to improve in recent weeks and last week in Philadelphia he finished third.

So when the Knicks compensated for spotty play with a team-record-tying 12 3-point shots, the Minnesota Timberwolves did what they usually do - they lost.

What Steinbrenner said he has not liked is the spotty play, the mental mistakes, the uneven performances from players making substantial salaries.

The 6-foot-5-inch Gill can play either guard position, which makes him a valuable commodity on a team that has gotten spotty play at both.

St. John's success has often depended on Marcus Hatten's spotty play.

But the Knicks (45-31) covered up for spotty play with strong defense when it counted the most.

As for Woods, his round was marked by spotty play, poor putting and missed chances.

Between Charlie Ward's sore knee and Childs's spotty play, the position has never been more unstable.

- Felix Jones (hamstring) hasn't been practicing and looks like a spotty play for the Saturday afternoon game against Philadelphia.

The Falcons have suffered through a bushel of injuries this season and spotty play on both sides of the ball, but their passing offense can still be dangerous.