New York Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni benches Chris Duhon in favor of Nate Robinson

Nate Robinson gets a chance to lead the Knicks offense as Mike D'Antoni moves Chris Duhon to the bench in an effort to get more energy and production from the point guard position.

Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni is changing point guards, benching starter Chris Duhon and elevating Nate Robinson to the starting job for Friday night's game against the Bucks.

D'Antoni made the announcement after practice Thursday in Greenburgh, saying that the Knicks need Robinson's energy and production. Then he told Robinson, who hasn't started since last season.

"Whether I start or come off the bench, I'll play my same game," said Robinson, who was benched for 14 straight games in December and has been a reserve since. "I'll contribute to the team the best I know how."

"If he makes mistakes, that's OK, as long as he is aggressive," D'Antoni said.

D'Antoni also said that Larry Hughes, who played in the Knicks' win over the Wizards after playing only sparingly in two games since Dec. 30, will also continue to get time off the bench. So Duhon, the starter for the first 48 games but an ineffective player for the last several weeks, will probably be sitting awhile.