NEW YORK, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Stephon Marbury missed a pair of late free throws just as he was rallying Phoenix from a huge deficit Sunday and the New York Knicks held on for a 106-98 victory, their fourth in five games.
New York shot 71 percent from the field in the first quarter and built a 64-48 halftime cushion, having led by as many as 22 points. The Knicks took an 89-69 lead into the final period before lapsing into what has become a customary bad habit.
Marbury scored the final five points in a 10-0 spurt that pulled the Suns within 101-95 with just under two minutes left. After Allan Houston misfired for the Knicks, Phoenix had several solid chances to creep closer.
Marbury missed a three-pointer and Shawn Marion missed a jumper just outside the lane. The Suns got another chance and Marbury was fouled on a drive. He scored 19 of his 31 points in the second half, but missed his free throws with 65 seconds left.
New York ended a stretch of numerous empty possessions when Latrell Sprewell nailed a jumper with 45 seconds to go for an eight-point cushion. Sprewell finished with 28 points and seven assists.
Kurt Thomas collected 28 points and 17 rebounds and thoroughly outplayed Phoenix rookie Amare Stoudemire, who managed only three points and six boards. Stoudemire was selected ninth overall by Phoenix in the 2002 draft, two spots behind New York.
