Anthony logs triple-double as Knicks demolish Celtics
New York — Carmelo Anthony had 35 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for his second career triple-double as the New York Knicks made 19 3-pointers to preserve their Atlantic Division title hopes with a 118-110 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.
JR Smith and Steve Novak both scored 25 points for the Knicks, who overcame a season-high 43 points from Paul Pierce and moved into sole possession of seventh place in the Eastern Conference while trimming Boston’s division lead to 3 1/2 games. The Celtics would have wrapped up their fifth straight Atlantic title with a victory.
Instead, the Knicks staggered them with a record-tying 14 3-pointers in a 72-point first half and equaled their season high by finishing 19 of 32 behind the arc. They improved to 14-5 under interim coach Mike Woodson.
Spurs 112,
Lakers 91
Pacers 102, 76ers 97
At Philadelphia, Danny Granger scored 24 points, and Roy Hibbert had 15 points and 13 rebounds to lead Indiana to its sixth straight win.
The Pacers won their fifth straight road game and 10th of 11 overall and seem to be hitting their stride as the postseason nears. The Pacers play their final four games at home and, barring a complete collapse, should earn the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Pistons 116,
Cavs 77
At Auburn Hills, Michigan, Brandon Knight had 28 points and seven assists as Detroit routed Cleveland in one of the NBA’s most lopsided games of the season.
Tayshaun Prince added 15 points for the Pistons and Jonas Jerebko scored 14. Detroit led 61-38 at halftime and scored the first 16 points of the third quarter. It was 100-50 after three.
The Cavaliers were without rookie point guard Kyrie Irving, who was out with a right shoulder problem and hasn’t played since April 3. Irving could return Wednesday night against Philadelphia. Cleveland forward Alonzo Gee was a late scratch because of a left ankle sprain.
Grizzlies 91,
Timberwolves 84
At Minneapolis, Rudy Gay had 28 points and nine rebounds to help Memphis withstand a weak start to the fourth quarter and beat Minnesota for the eighth straight time. /ap
