Nets hand Lin-led Knicks just their second setback

New  York  — Deron Williams scored a season-high 38 points, outplaying Jeremy Lin and leading the New Jersey Nets to a 100-92 victory over the New York Knicks yesterday.

Lin began his remarkable run against the Nets about two weeks ago, but Williams and the Nets were ready for him this time.

Lin finished with 21 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, but Williams outscored him 36-11 through three quarters, when the Nets led by 18.  Lin shot only 7 of 18 and the Knicks lost for the second time in 10 games since his emergence against the Nets on Feb. 4.

Carmelo Anthony, clearly rusty in his return from a seven-game absence with a strained right groin, shot 4 of 11 and scored 11 points.

Bulls 90, Hawks 79

At Chicago, Derrick Rose scored 23 points in his return from a five-game absence because of back pain to lead Chicago over struggling Atlanta.

Rose also had six assists and five rebounds. Carlos Boozer added 16 points, Ronnie Brewer had 13, and Deng and John Lucas 10 apiece. Joakim Noah chipped in with 16 rebounds.

Pargo had 19 points, and Josh Smith added 17 points and 12 rebounds for Atlanta.

Thunder 101, Horents  93

At Oklahoma City, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook scored 31 points each to lead Oklahoma City over New Orleans for its 10th straight home win.

One night after a historic performance featuring big scoring nights from All-Stars Durant and Westbrook and a triple-double from Serge Ibaka, the Thunder built a 26-point lead and then had to scrap it out at the end.

Jarrett Jack scored 18 points to lead New Orleans, which had a surprising three-game winning streak after losing 23 of 25.

Mavs  89, Celtics  73

At Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki had 26 points and moved into the top 20 on the NBA career scoring list as Dallas beat short-handed Boston.

Nowitzki, who also had a season-high 16 rebounds, scored all of Dallas’ points in a 10-2 run midway through the second quarter that pushed the Mavericks ahead by 14.  They led by double digits the rest of the way.

The Celtics were without suspended Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett and injured Brandon Bass. They also lost starters Jermaine O’Neal and Chris Wilcox to injuries in the third quarter. OTHER RESULTS: Warriors 104, Clippers  97; Magic 93, Bucks 90; Rockets 97, Grizzlies 93; Nuggets 103, Timberwolves  101, OT; Suns  104, Wizards  88. /ap