New York, NY (Sports Network) - Entering play Sunday, the sputtering New York
Knicks saw their huge lead in the Atlantic Division shrink to one game.
A date with the slumping Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden helped
New York establish at least some momentum going forward.
Carmelo Anthony had 29 points in the Knicks' 99-93 win over the 76ers.
The Knicks built a four-game advantage in the division earlier this month over
the Brooklyn Nets, but New York saw its gap dissipate to one as it came into
Sunday's tilt on a four-game skid.
Also prior to the tilt, the squad fell a game behind the Central Division-
leading Indiana Pacers, who routed New York 125-91 on Wednesday, for the
second spot in the Eastern Conference.
Amare Stoudemire added 22 points in the triumph for New York.
Jrue Holiday netted 30 points and Evan Turner finished with 21 points,
eight assists and six rebounds for the Sixers, who have dropped a season-high
five consecutive contests.
The home team built a 17-point, second-quarter cushion Sunday and cruised the
rest of the way.
After the Knicks led 24-22 after a period of play, they began the second frame
on a 17-2 surge. Stoudemire had six points during the bulge and New York built
a 41-24 edge near the midway point of the stanza.
The Knicks took a 52-40 margin into the break. Philly cut the deficit to 76-67
after three, but didn't get within five until the contest was already decided
in the final minute.
Game Notes
Thaddeus Young returned from a six-game absence due to a hamstring strain and
registered 11 points, 10 boards and four steals for the Sixers ... The Knicks
prevented their first five-game slide since a six-game stretch from March
4-12.
The Sports Network