EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., April 20 (UPI) -- Kenyon Martin had 22 points and 16 rebounds Tuesday as New Jersey beat New York 99-81 for a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series.
Second-seeded New Jersey extended its playoff winning streak over Eastern Conference foes to 12 games.
Martin led the way with a pair of baskets and two assists in a 14-2 tear that opened a 50-33 bulge with 2:31 left in the first half. The lead never dipped below 10 points after the break.
Martin, an All-Star power forward, had five dunks or layups among his nine baskets.
The Knicks struggled without injured starters Allan Houston (knee) and Tim Thomas (back). Stephon Marbury scored 23 points but was held without a basket in the second half for the second straight game.
The seventh-seeded Knicks host Game Three on Thursday.
