NBA ROUNDUP : Resurgent Knicks Increase Streak to Six

Hubert Davis had six three-point baskets and 22 points and John Starks added 21 as the New York Knicks won their sixth consecutive game Sunday, defeating the woeful Minnesota Timberwolves, 102-87 at New York.

The Knicks’ resurgent defense, which hasn’t given up more than 93 points during the winning streak, kept Minnesota below 100 points for the 14th consecutive game, extending a Timberwolves record.

Davis, 10 for 17 in his previous two games, made seven of eight field-goal attempts. His three-point baskets helped New York tie a team record with 12.

“I think we’re building a lot on confidence,” Davis said. “When I’m that wide open, I’ve got to shoot.”

Patrick Ewing led the Knicks with 22 points.

Isaiah Rider had 21 points for Minnesota, who lost its ninth in a row to the Knicks and fifth in a row overall. Sean Rooks added 14.

New York took a 74-66 lead into the final quarter and quickly increased it to 80-69 on a three-point basket by Davis during a 4 1/2 minute scoring drought by Minnesota. The Timberwolves never cut the deficit below 10 points the rest of the way.

“The last couple of games, we’ve benefited from perimeter shooting, guys stepping up and hitting their shots,” Coach Pat Riley said.

Orlando 108, Detroit 88--Anfernee Hardaway scored 26 points and Shaquille O’Neal added 23 to lead the Magic past the shorthanded Pistons at Auburn Hills, Mich.

The Pistons were playing without Grant Hill, who aggravated a left arch injury in Detroit’s last game. Detroit, now missing five of its top eight players, has lost eight consecutive and 13 of 14. Orlando has won nine of 10.

The Magic opened a 55-38 lead with a big second quarter and cruised through the second half. The lead grew to 22 early in the third and Detroit never got closer than 14 in the fourth quarter.

Hardaway led all scorers, while O’Neal shook off the flu to contribute 11 rebounds.

Joe Dumars led the Pistons with 19 points, and Bill Curley came off scored a career-high 15.

Denver 102, Milwaukee 96--Brian Williams made three key baskets late in regulation and in overtime, leading the Nuggets at Denver.

Bryant Stith, Reggie Williams and Robert Pack all had 16 points for Denver, and Brian Williams, Dikembe Mutombo and Dale Ellis had 12 each.

Glenn Robinson led the Bucks with 21 points. Vin Baker added 18 points and 11 rebounds for Milwaukee, which couldn’t overcome 27% shooting in the second half and overtime.