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NBA - Knicks salvage one on the road with Utah win By Raman Sharma PhilBoxing.com Wed, 20 Mar 2013 JERSEY CITY -- After losing four straight on the road, the 39-26 New York Knicks bounced back Monday night and delivered a harsh blow to the Utah Jazz's playoffs hopes with a 90-83 decision at the Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City. The 34-33 Jazz entered the game tied for the 8th and final Western Conference playoffs spot after the Kobe-Bryant-less Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Phoenix Suns, 99-76, early in the evening. This was a game that the Jazz desperately needed to stay ahead of the Lakers in the rankings, but the Knicks, determined to end a nasty four-game slide on the road, played inspired basketball and tenacious defense that held the Jazz to 83 points on 38% shooting from the field. New York also forced 17 turnovers. The Knicks relied on a number of wily veterans to get the emotional victory, including 40 year old Kurt Thomas, who was diagnosed with a bone spur after Sunday?s game and was doubtful for the game. "It's one more game, I might as well play. I'll get the MRI tomorrow," Thomas said before the game. Some may question the Knicks? decision to load a roster with aging journeymen in search of a championship, but as always, Kurt Thomas has proven to be the ultimate professional. He?s prepared when his coach calls upon him and answered the bell with a season-high 27 valuable minutes on a night in which the Knicks needed every last one of them. Thomas? defense is credited for holding Al Jefferson to 10 points tonight on 4-13 shooting, well under his season average of 18 ppg. Gordon Hayward led all Jazz with 17 points. JR Smith once again led the Knicks attack with 20 points (scoring 18 of them in the second half). Smith aggressively slashed to the basket, shooting 9-10 at the free throw line. Raymond Felton added 19 points on 8-12 shooting and played a game-high 42 minutes. With the Brooklyn Nets winning tonight in Detroit 119-82, the Knicks needed a victory tonight to maintain a 2 game lead over the Nets for the Atlantic Division crown. Knicks played without the front court trio of Tyson Chandler (cervical spine MRI scheduled for Tuesday for evaluation), Carmelo Anthony (recovering in NY), and Amar?e Stoudemire for the fourth time in this five game road trip. The Knicks will return to Madison Square Garden to host the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. (RS) Photo: Raymond Felton (R) scored 19 points and deftly guided the New York Knicks to a stunning 90-83 victory in Salt Lake City. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Raman Sharma. |
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