NBA ROUNDUP : Ewing, Knicks Snuff Sun Offense, 107-88

The New York Knicks made the Phoenix Suns realize they can’t always be the best team in the NBA. The physical Knicks, led by Patrick Ewing’s 35 points and 15 rebounds, held the league’s highest-scoring offense to its lowest total this season, beating the Suns, 107-88, Sunday in New York.

Little went right for the Suns, who had won seven in a row, in their worst defeat of the season.

They shot 37%. They missed layups and dunks. They shot airballs from three-point range, missing 29 of 39. And the Knicks were usually there to pick up the rebound, ending up with a 62-36 advantage on the boards.

“We can have a bad game,” said Charles Barkley, who had 20 points but only two after halftime. “Just because we have the best record in the league doesn’t mean we expect to be perfect every game. We just had a tough day.”

New York also ended the Suns’ team-record road streak at nine victories and avenged a 21-point loss at Phoenix Dec. 16.

John Starks had 22 points, making five three-point shots, Derek Harper 15 and Anthony Mason a career-high 19 rebounds for New York, which has won seven of its last eight.

Because Wesley Person had a sprained right foot, Danny Ainge made his first start of the season and led Phoenix with 22 points.

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Chicago 116, Golden State 94--Scottie Pippen returned from a one-game suspension to score 27 points, and B.J. Armstrong had 16 in the first quarter as the Bulls started quickly and routed the Warriors in Chicago.

Pippen was suspended and fined for throwing a chair across the United Center floor last week after he had been ejected from a game against San Antonio.

But Sunday he was in control, making nine of 13 shots, collecting 11 rebounds and handing out eight assists.

Armstrong made his first five shots and six of seven in the opening quarter as the Bulls bolted to a 35-13 lead after one period. Armstrong finished with 19 points.

Golden State, losing for the 12th time in 14 games, played without Chris Mullin, Rony Seikaly and Ricky Pierce, all out with injuries.

Tim Hardaway led the Warriors with 18 points.