Lin leads Rockets’ rout in return to New York
NEW YORK, USA (AP) — Jeremy Lin won again at Madison Square Garden, and for the first time this season, the New York Knicks didn’t.
Lin had 22 points and eight assists in his return to New York, leading the Houston Rockets to a 109-96 victory Monday that ended the Knicks’ 10-game home winning streak to open the season.
Cheered then jeered, and later clobbered, Lin added another masterpiece to the ones he put together last season during the height of Linsanity. No longer the fan favourite he was when wearing the home uniform, Lin got a mixed reception when he left the game with 2:25 remaining and Houston leading by 16.
James Harden had 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets. Rookie Chris Copeland scored a career-high 29 points for the Knicks.
Oklahoma City’s Serge Ibaka equalled his career best with 25 points and grabbed a season-high 17 rebounds as the Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs for their 11th straight win.
The Thunder took control with a string of 11 straight points during the third quarter, punctuated by Nick Collison’s putback that made it 71-56 with 4:27 remaining in the period.
Tony Parker and Nando De Colo had 14 points apiece to lead the Spurs.
Mike Conley had 17 points, and Zach Randolph added 10 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Memphis Grizzlies past the Chicago Bulls 80-71.
Rudy Gay scored 12 points for the Grizzlies but shot five of 13, continuing his slump. Wayne Ellington scored all 11 of his points in the second quarter, when the Grizzlies reserves provided a lift after Memphis shot poorly in the first period.
Carlos Boozer led the Bulls with 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Marco Belinelli finished with 13 points.
At Auburn Hills, Michigan, Jamal Crawford scored 15 points and Chris Paul added 14 to lead the Los Angeles Clippers past the Detroit Pistons, 88-76, for their 10th straight win.
Blake Griffin had 15 points for the Clippers, who had five players in double figures. Brandon Knight led the Pistons with 16 points and Tayshaun Prince added 15. Detroit have lost five straight.
The Orlando Magic beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 102-93, as Glen Davis scored 28 points and JJ Redick had 18 points and seven assists, while Shannon Brown scored 14 of his 22 points in the third quarter and Jared Dudley added 20 more in the Phoenix Suns’ 101-90 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
