After their best defensive effort of the season against the Hawks on Sunday, the Knicks showed what they're really all about Monday night, blowing out the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden by a 131-109 score. With the win, the Knicks improved to 33-29, and have won two straight games for the first time since the blockbuster Carmelo Anthony trade.
New York was led by Anthony and Amare Stoudemire, who had 34 and 31 points respectively. Anthony was outstanding, also picking up five assists, shooting 12-16 from the field, and was +30 on the night. Stoudemire was also efficient, hitting on 12 of his shot attempts. The Knicks scored a season-high 40 first quarter points, and never looked back. It was over before the fourth quarter, which Anthony and Stoudemire both sat out, while the end of the Knicks' bench got some rare playing time.
The Jazz fell to 2-8 since the Deron Williams trade, and they have the look of a fast sinking ship. Al Jefferson put up an impressive line of 36 points and 12 rebounds, but it was for naught. They saw some promise form rookie Derrick Favors, acquired in the trade with the Nets, who scored 16 points.
The Knicks now head to the road for two tough games against Western Conference foes, as they face the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, followed by a visit to Dallas to take on the Mavericks on Thursday.