/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5620233/20121226_mjr_su5_112.0.jpg)
J.R. Smith hit a baseline jumper with a second to go to lift the New York Knicks over the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night, 99-97, in Phoenix, Ariz.
Smith's heroics came after Tyson Chandler forced a Phoenix turnover on the Suns' final play of the game. With 10 seconds left, Phoenix brought the ball down the court with a chance to win it before Chandler forced the ball out of bounds off Phoenix.
Jason Kidd then inbounded to Smith on the left baseline, and he hit the off-balance game-winner. Smith finished with 27 points, while Kidd had 23 points and eight assists.
Jared Dudley led the Suns with a career-high 36 points. His free throws gave Phoenix a two-point lead at 97-95 with 24 seconds left. Smith then answered with the game-tying bucket before his buzzer-beater.
Overall, the two teams played a balanced game throughout. The Knicks, playing without team leader Carmelo Anthony and Raymond Felton, won a narrow battle on the boards, 41-38. Phoenix shot 45.8 percent to 45.5 percent for New York.
With the win, the Knicks improved to 21-8 and the Suns dropped to 11-18 with the loss.