Knicks Deal Smith to Spurs With Eye on Future

In 3 1/2 seasons with the New York Knicks, Charles Smith went from being the supposed final piece of the championship puzzle to the player who drew the most boos at Madison Square Garden.

On Thursday night, that chapter of his career ended as the Knicks traded Smith to the San Antonio Spurs along with Monty Williams in exchange for J.R. Reid, Brad Lohaus and a 1996 first-round draft pick.

For the Knicks, the main benefit is dealing away two players with long-term contracts. The deal is expected to free up between $7.5 million and $8 million worth of salary cap space for next season.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Dallas 136, Utah 133--Jason Kidd had 25 assists, the most in the NBA this season, and Jim Jackson scored 38 points as the Mavericks outlasted the Jazz in two overtimes at Dallas.

Phoenix 107, New Jersey 102--Charles Barkley had 30 points and 18 rebounds at Phoenix and scored his 20,000th career point. Barkley became the 22nd player to score 20,000 career points when he swished a 16-foot jumper with 1:32 left in the second quarter.

Atlanta 98, Washington 92--Stacey Augmon scored 20 points and Steve Smith, redeeming himself for a poor shooting night, made a key defensive play in the final minute at Atlanta.

Charlotte 115, Sacramento 105--Glen Rice, connecting on his first five shots, warmed up for the defense of his All-Star weekend three-point shooting title with 33 points at Charlotte.

NBA Notes

Forward Jamal Mashburn will have an operation on his knee and likely be lost to the Dallas Mavericks for the rest of the season. Mashburn will have arthroscopic surgery next week.