NBA -- Bosh scores 32, Heat crush Knicks, 109-95

MIAMI -- Chris Bosh netted 32 points and the Miami Heat wiped out an early 14-point deficit to beat the New York Knicks, 109-95, on Monday night at the American Airlines Arena.

Guard play was a huge key for Miami's win as starting point guard Mario Chalmers scored 18 points and six assists while Norris Cole added 12 points and eight dimes off the bench. Luol Deng pitched in 12 points and seven rebounds while Chris "Birdman" Anderson added 10. Hassan Whiteside had a quiet seven points and nine rebounds.

After a sluggish start, the Heat fell early and ended the opening quarter trailing 32-23. But they bounced back and shot 48.6 percent from the field overall (36-of-74). The Heat also sank 12 of 22 triples and 25 of 29 free throws.

Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 26 points but he left in the fourth quarter with what was described as "recurring knee soreness."

"It's the same thing," a dejected Anthony said. "I'm restricted. I'm not getting that power, that bounce."

Amar'e Stoudemire had 14 points and seven rebounds while Langston Galloway finished with 10 points and nine boards, but no other Knick scored in double figures.

The triumph bumped Miami's record to 22-29, barely holding on to the eighth and last playoffs berth in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks, meanwhile, dropped to the bottom of the league with a dismal 10-42 slate.