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RECAP
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BOX SCORE
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GAME FLOW
NEW YORK (AP) -- For the New York Knicks, this one was
embarrassing.
The Utah Jazz routed the Knicks 89-58 Friday night, New York's
lowest point total since the shot clock was introduced. The Knicks
had as many turnovers (25) as they had baskets, and shot just 39
percent.
|  | | Utah's John Starks closely guards Allan Houston Friday night. |
"Tonight was as big a disappointment as I've experienced,"
coach Jeff Van Gundy said. "How we lost is a great disappointment.
The turnovers are way up and the offense way down. The attitude is
real bad. We're fighting ourselves. A lot of internal things
cropped up. More than ever before."
The Knicks managed just 13 points in the first quarter, 12 in
the second and 10 in the fourth. They went nearly five minutes
without a point against Utah's second unit and trailed by 15 at the
half and the Jazz doubled that margin in the second half.
To make things worse, the star for the Jazz was ex-Knick John
Starks, who celebrated his return to Madison Square Garden by
scoring 18 points against his former team.
Starks, signed as a free agent by Utah in the offseason, scored
nine points early as the Jazz rushed to a 15-point lead in the
first quarter and never let the Knicks in the game.
"The guys did a great job finding me," Starks said. "My mind
was clear. I got up and shot the ball."
Karl Malone, who became the second-highest scorer in NBA history
last week when he passed Wilt Chamberlain, also had 18 for the
Jazz.
The Knicks got into trouble early when Kurt Thomas and Allan
Houston were called for offensive fouls on consecutive possessions.
Then a monster jam by Marcus Camby and a steal by Chris Childs were
erased by fouls.
It was too many mistakes to make against the Jazz, equipped with
the best record in the Western Conference despite two straight
losses. Utah took advantage, going on a 20-8 run to take control.
Starks was in the middle of much of it, enjoying the chance to make
a statement against his old team.
"I didn't look at it as coming in here to do something like
that," Starks said. "We just needed to get a win after losing two
straight at home."
By early in the fourth quarter, Utah's lead increased to 25
points and the reserves had taken over. When Starks came to the
bench, he had a huge grin and was hugged by teammates, who knew how
much the game meant to him.
It was a dramatic turnaround for Starks, who was scoreless in 26
minutes in his last game on Wednesday against Milwaukee. He had
been averaging just 9.7 points in 20 games with the Jazz.
Before the game, Starks shrugged off his slow start.
"We're winning, that's the most important thing," he said.
"I'm starting to settle into the scheme of things. In another
month, things will be running smooth."
Game
notes
The Knicks' previous low point total was 61 on April 12,
1992, at Detroit. ... Larry Johnson did not dress for the Knicks
after spraining the MCL in his right knee in Thursday night's loss
at Toronto. He will be re-evaluated Sunday. ... The game was the
start of a six-game road trip for Utah. ... The loss was the sixth
straight for the Knicks against the Jazz. ... Utah's Bryon Russell
strained his right groin in the third quarter.
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ALSO SEE
NBA Scoreboard
Utah Clubhouse
New York Clubhouse
RECAPS
Cleveland 103
Indiana 95
Dallas 112
Philadelphia 94
Charlotte 103
Washington 89
Sacramento 104
Boston 81
Utah 89
New York 58
Minnesota 99
Detroit 90
Atlanta 85
Chicago 74
Milwaukee 104
Toronto 97
LA Clippers 98
Phoenix 88
Portland 106
Orlando 96
Seattle 99
Miami 81
LA Lakers 98
Vancouver 76
FROM
ATHLETESDIRECT
Karl Malone Official Site
Bryon Russell Official Site
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