NBA: New York 121, Portland 79

NEW YORK, March 14 (UPI) -- J.R. Smith and Steve Novak combined to hit 13 3-pointers Wednesday, allowing the New York Knicks to end a tumultuous day by running away from Portland 121-79.

The Knicks announced hours before the game Coach Mike D'Antoni had stepped down in a "mutual decision" with the club. With assistant Coach Mike Woodson running the team, the Knicks crushed the Trail Blazers and ended a six-game losing streak.

Amare Stoudemire had 17 points and Carmelo Anthony added 16 for the Knicks, but the New York stars were overshadowed by the long-range shooting of Smith and Novak.

Smith made seven from beyond the arc and totaled 23 points. Novak scored 20 points in 20 minutes while hitting six 3-pointers.

The Knicks limited Portland to 29 first-half points while building a 26-point halftime advantage.

Portland fell to 1-4 on a seven-game road trip that has stops left in Chicago and Oklahoma City.