NBA

Suns offense lights up Knicks

By wire services
Published January 26, 2005

NEW YORK - The Knicks were so inept on defense, the Suns were actually critical of themselves after posting their highest point total of the season.

"I didn't think it was a very good performance at all," Steve Nash said after Phoenix tied a team record for 3-pointers with 16 in a 133-118 victory Tuesday night. "We were really careless defensively, we gave up too many points, and even offensively I thought we weren't as good as we can be."

Quentin Richardson made seven of Phoenix's 3-pointers and Jim Jackson added five.

The loss was the seventh in a row for the Knicks, who gave up a season high in points. Jamal Crawford led the Knicks with 40 points. Stephon Marbury, in his first game against the Suns since they dealt him to New York last season, had 11 points and nine assists.

Also, the Knicks placed Tim Thomas (calf) on the injured list.

CELTICS 97, BOBCATS 92: Paul Pierce had 14 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter to lead Boston over Charlotte, which lost its ninth in a row overall. Pierce made 10 free throws in the final quarter.

BULLS 111, NUGGETS 107: Kirk Hinrich scored 23 and Eddy Curry shook off a groin injury to add 14 in the fourth quarter for host Chicago, which moved two games over .500 after an 0-9 start. On Monday, Denver general manager Kiki Vandeweghe met with George Karl about the team's coaching position, but the job was not offered to Karl.

KINGS 113, NETS 93: Brad Miller had a season-high 31 points and 12 rebounds and made 11 consecutive shots for host Sacramento, a timely contribution in place of Chris Webber (right ankle), who sat out.

SONICS 104, LAKERS 93: Vladimir Radmanovic scored 26 and Ray Allen 25 for visiting Seattle, which outscored Los Angeles 63-40 in the middle two quarters.

BRAWL ACTION: Ron Artest and four other Pacers who clashed with Pistons fans in a Nov. 19 appeared in court in Rochester Hills, Mich., and were released on $500 personal bonds. Artest, Stephen Jackson, Anthony Johnson, David Harrison and Jermaine O'Neal each appeared separately for about three minutes before a district judge. They and three fans must attend the next hearing, scheduled for April 8.

CAVALIERS: Rookie forward Anderson Varejao (severe ankle sprain) could miss six weeks and guard Dajuan Wagner (stomach) is back in the hospital.

ROCKETS: Forward Tracy McGrady rejoined the team for its trip to New Orleans a day after missing a game against Orlando because of a family emergency.

[Last modified January 26, 2005, 00:59:02]