Pro Sports

Vujacic, Anthony lead hot-shooting Knicks past Suns

Posted March 09, 2016 6:00 am

By JOSE M. ROMERO

New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony, center, is congratulated by teammate Jose Calderon (3) as Robin Lopez walks to the bench against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 9, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) The Associated Press

PHOENIX (AP) - Sasha Vujacic scored a season-high 23 points in a rare start, Carmelo Anthony also had 23 and the New York Knicks beat the Phoenix Suns 128-97 on Wednesday night.

Vujacic was 7 of 8 from the field and tied a career high by going 6 of 7 from 3-point range. He made his first start since last November and had not played in two of the Knicks' last three games.

The Knicks hit a season-high 16 3s. Derrick Williams scored 18 points and Jose Calderon added 10 points and 12 assists as New York won for the second time in six games.

Rookie Devin Booker led Phoenix with 32 points. Tyson Chandler's nine rebounds gave the veteran center 9,005 for his career, making him the 50th player in NBA history to reach that milestone.

The Suns tried to mount a comeback in the third quarter and trimmed a 20-point halftime deficit to 13 on a jumper by Alex Len with 3:35 to go. But Anthony responded with his third 3-pointer of the game to make the score 83-67, and the Suns never got closer than 13 points in the second half.

The Knicks opened a 54-28 advantage in the first half. Former Suns center Robin Lopez blocked a shot at one end, then put in a hook shot at the other during their run that broke open the game.

Anthony scored 12 points in the second quarter and made 8 of 10 shots in the first half. New York led by as many as 36 points, which was the Knicks' largest lead at any point in a game this season.

Newly signed Chase Budinger scored two points in his Suns debut.

TIP-INS

Knicks: Guard Arron Afflalo is dealing with an abdominal injury and didn't start, replaced by Vujacic. ... F Lance Thomas did not play due to a sore left knee. ... NFL running back LeSean McCoy watched the game from courtside seats.

Suns: Guard Brandon Knight dressed and was on the bench for the Suns after being cleared to play for the first time since Jan. 19. Knight has dealt with a groin injury and began practicing this week, but he didn't get into the game. . The Suns celebrated their annual "Los Suns" Night in honor of Hispanic heritage, with the team wearing purple "Los Suns" jerseys. The starting lineups were announced in Spanish and fans were handed orange maracas.

UP NEXT

Knicks: At Los Angeles Clippers Friday night.

Suns: At Denver Thursday night.

New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony, left, drives against Phoenix Suns' Archie Goodwin during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 9, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) The Associated Press

New York Knicks' Sasha Vujacic (18), of Slovenia, reacts to a play against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 9, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) The Associated Press

Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker drives against New York Knicks' Robin Lopez (8) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 9, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) The Associated Press

New York Knicks' Robin Lopez blocks the shot of Phoenix Suns' Alex Len (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 9, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) The Associated Press

New York Knicks' Robin Lopez blocks the shot of Phoenix Suns' Tyson Chandler, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 9, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York) The Associated Press

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