THE SCHEDULE

Spurs lead best-of-seven series, 3-1

Game 1: San Antonio 89, New York 77

Game 2: San Antonio 80, New York 67

Game 3: New York 89, San Antonio 81

Game 4: San Antonio 96, New York 89

Game 5: Friday at New York, 6 p.m.

Game 6: Sunday at San Antonio, 4:30 p.m.*

Game 7: Tuesday at San Antonio, 6 p.m.*

TV: Ch. 4, all times Pacific; * If necessary

THE NOTES / Johnson Got to Lane Fast, Put Spurs in Driver’s Seat

Spur center David Robinson gave point guard Avery Johnson credit for setting the team’s emotional tone right after the Spurs lost Game 3 on Monday, going around to his teammates and refusing to let them feel panic or fear.

But the New York Knicks said that Johnson’s main practical boost came in the early part of Game 4 on Wednesday, when he drove into the lane several times for easy baskets or quick passes to open teammates.

“He was definitely key, especially early in the game,” Knick guard Allan Houston said. “He really attacked. We almost had to adjust part of our defense because of him.

“He was getting into the lane. That’s one of the keys to stopping that team, you can’t let him keep getting into the lane and making plays for guys.

“They do a great job with [forward] Tim [Duncan] and David, but Avery comes and gets in the lane and he creates a problem.”

Johnson made six of 10 shots, scored 14 points, handed out 10 assists and committed only three turnovers, after committing six in Game 3.

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Spur guard Mario Elie, a New York native, engaged in some loud banter with film director Spike Lee during Game 4, and Elie said it was all in good fun.

“Spike is a great fan,” Elie said. “He’s a very knowledgeable fan. I just go over there and mess with him.”

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Walt Frazier, now a Knick broadcaster, may be an icon to New York fans but to Knick players, he’s just some old guy.

“The players now look at guys like me and think, ‘These guys played but they just don’t know,’ ” Frazier said.

“It’s disappointing because when I was coming up, whenever I had an opportunity to talk with Oscar Robertson or Jerry West, I used it.

“Me, Willis Reed, Dave DeBusschere, we’re all Hall of Famers. We’re just baffled by this. It’s inexplicable as to why we’re not sought out. The Knicks’ management is culpable too.”

Frazier says only two Knicks have ever asked him for advice--Greg Anthony and Larry Johnson.

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Chris Childs, on becoming a Knick: “Of course, it’s very different. There’s an adjustment period. I think a lot of guys that come to this team initially take time to adjust to it, but this is my third year here and nothing has changed. The only difference is we’re in the finals. But you have a veteran group of guys that have been in this situation before and they’ll pull you to the side and talk to you.

“Patrick [Ewing] is always pulling people to the side, talking to them, even though half the time you don’t understand what he’s saying.”