Sprewell Sparks Knicks

Latrell Sprewell returned to the starting lineup and scored 23 points, helping the New York Knicks defeat the Detroit Pistons, 94-91, Monday night despite nearly blowing a 32-point lead at Madison Square Garden.

Allan Houston also scored 23 for the Knicks, who won for the second time this season -- barely.

Detroit trailed by 22 points when the fourth quarter began but pulled within one with 9.6 seconds left. Sprewell made two free throws with 4.7 seconds to go, and Ben Wallace threw away the ensuing inbounds pass.

The Knicks (2-8) averted having the worst record after 10 games in franchise history.

Richard Hamilton scored 31 points for the Pistons.

New Jersey 99, Denver 79 -- Jason Kidd made five consecutive shots and scored 13 of his 24 points in the first quarter to lead the Nets at East Rutherford, N.J.

The Nets forced 28 turnovers in handing the Nuggets their fourth consecutive loss.

Kenny Satterfield scored 15 points to lead the Nuggets, who have five rookies on their roster, the second youngest in the league.

Atlanta 117, Toronto 92 -- Shareef Abdur-Rahim scored 27 points at Atlanta, where the Hawks led by 29 points at halftime.

Abdur-Rahim, who sat out the fourth quarter, has averaged 28 points in the last four games. Atlanta has won the last three.

The Hawks scored 15 baskets off dunks, layups and tips in the first half, for a 38-8 advantage on points in the lane. The Hawks scored 25 points off turnovers.

San Antonio 104, Cleveland 78 -- Tim Duncan scored 25 points to lead the Spurs at San Antonio and help hand the Cavaliers their seventh consecutive loss.

Stephen Jackson scored 18 points for the Spurs. Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored 25 points for Cleveland.