MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- A 3-point play by J.R. Smith with 20 seconds left gave New York a four-point lead Friday, finishing a rally that brought the Knicks a 100-94 win over Minnesota.
Carmelo Anthony scored 12 of his 36 points in the final 6:30 to fuel the New York comeback after the Knicks had trailed by 11 early in the final quarter.
Minnesota closed within a point with 58 seconds to go and regained the ball with a chance to take the lead. New York's Tyson Chandler then blocked a shot by Luke Ridnour, leading to a layup by Smith.
Smith was fouled by Dante Cunningham on the play and the ensuing free throw gave New York a 98-94 cushion.
Smith scored 15 points while Raymond Felton, Amar'e Stoudemire and Steve Novak all had 11 for New York. It was the Knicks' sixth win in seven games.
Ridnour led the Timberwolves with 20 points in what was their ninth loss in 10 outings.
