Knicks End Trail Blazers’ Streak

The Portland Trail Blazers acted as if they were due for a loss, and that’s exactly what they got.

The New York Knicks’ league-leading defense brought a screeching halt to Portland’s 10-game win streak, opening a 31-12 first-quarter lead that held up the rest of the night in a 91-78 victory at New York on Saturday.

“I think it was just time for us to not get a win,” said Steve Smith, who led Portland with 15 points. “We’ve won so many, but we never played tonight the way we’ve been playing.”

Marcus Camby had the bulk of his 16 points and 15 rebounds in the decisive first half and Charlie Ward had a season-high 17 points for New York.

“They scored pretty easily in that first half and got us down big, and then we were fighting from behind all night long,” Portland Coach Mike Dunleavy said.

The Knicks held the Trail Blazers to their second-lowest point total of the season in handing them their first loss since Dec. 22. They also held their opponent under 100 points for the 30th consecutive game, extending their NBA record.

Philadelphia 100, San Antonio 83--Allen Iverson scored 25 of his 40 points in the first half and Toni Kukoc added 17 for the 76ers at Philadelphia.

Tim Duncan’s jumper got the Spurs within 54-50 at the start of the third quarter, but the 76ers scored 12 of the next 17 points and San Antonio didn’t get closer than seven the rest of the game.

Indiana 87, Miami 71--Jalen Rose scored 21 points to lead the Pacers in a foul-filled fourth quarter at Indianapolis.

The game was close until the final six minutes when Bruce Bowen was called for a flagrant foul against Reggie Miller and Heat Coach Pat Riley received the first of two technical fouls that got him ejected.

Miller made three free throws and, less than a minute later, Rose scored to push the lead to 75-65. Miami never got closer than eight points the rest of the way.

Phoenix 103, Dallas 86--Cliff Robinson scored 11 of his 21 points in the decisive third quarter and Shawn Marion had 23 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Suns at Dallas.

Orlando 111, Golden State 94--Tracy McGrady scored 27 points before leaving to rest a sprained ankle and reserve Pat Garrity scored 17 at Orlando.

Milwaukee 115, New Jersey 81--Glenn Robinson scored a season-high 35 points in 35 minutes at Milwaukee as the Bucks extended their home win streak to nine.

Vancouver 119, Cleveland 107--Michael Dickerson scored a season-high 32 points and Mike Bibby added 20 to help the Grizzlies end an eight-game losing streak against the visiting Cavaliers.

Sacramento 84, Houston 81--Chris Webber scored 31 points to lead the Kings at Houston.

Vlade Divac and Predrag Stojakovic each scored 18 points as the Kings defeated the Rockets for the third consecutive time this season.

Around the League

Vancouver owner Michael Heisley said he has no intention of moving the franchise, but admitted he’s “frustrated” with the lack of fan interest in the team. Heisley was responding to reports that suggested he might approach NBA Commissioner David Stern to move the franchise. . . . Forward Chucky Brown agreed to a 10-day contract with the Golden State Warriors.