NBA ROUNDUP : Starks Gives Knicks a Spark in 128-100 Victory

The New York Knicks were a bit slow to get the message from Coach Pat Riley. But in their fourth game of the new season, they made it look easy.

John Starks came off the bench in the second quarter Thursday night at New York to ignite a burst that carried the Knicks to a 128-100 victory over Orlando.

It was the first loss for the Magic, which beat the Knicks in the season opener at Orlando by 10 points.

The Knicks were leading by eight points midway through the second quarter. Starks, a 6-foot-5 forward, scored eight points, including two three-pointers in less than two minutes. The third-year pro finished with a career-high 30 points in 31 minutes. He also had nine assists.

“I came out especially motivated by what happened to Magic Johnson,” Starks said. “It really hit home. As soon as I stepped on the court, it gave me an extra boost. What he’s done for the league is unbelievable.”

The Knicks (2-2) led, 65-47, at halftime and Riley played reserves most of the rest of the way.

Miami 111, New Jersey 89--The Heat had its problems on the road last season, going 6-35.

In its first game away from home under their new coach, Kevin Loughery, the Heat ruined the Nets’ home opener with a surprisingly easy victory.

Willie Burton had 24 points on nine-for-12 shooting, but it was the defense that stunned the Nets.

The Nets were held to 38 points in the first 24 minutes, and Derick Coleman, last season’s rookie of the year, was five for 19.

Denver 88, Minnesota 77--Rookies Mark Macon and Dikembe Mutombo keyed a tough defense at Denver as the Nuggets improved to 3-1. Last season they lost 11 times before they gained their third victory.

The 7-2 Mutombo had 14 points and 18 rebounds, and Macon had 18 points. The Timberwolves were held to only 50 points through the first three quarters.

Houston 105, Cleveland 86--Coach Don Chaney of the Rockets didn’t panic when his team fell behind the Cavaliers after one quarter at Houston. He brought in his second team.

Reserves Sleepy Floyd and Tree Rollins triggered a 28-8 spurt at the start of the second quarter, quickly turning the game into a rout. Floyd had eight of his 22 during the run, and Rollins, not known for his offense, had seven of his 13.

Reserves scored 51 points for the Rockets (3-1).

Seattle 103, Utah 95--After winning only one of their first three games at home, the SuperSonics spoiled the Jazz’s home opener.

Benoit Benjamin had 22 points and Derrick McKey 20 as Seattle handed the Jazz its third defeat in a row.

After falling behind, 29-21, the SuperSonics outscored Utah, 31-17, in the second quarter.