Carmelo lifts Knicks over Thunder

Carmelo Anthony scored 36 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead New York over Oklahoma City 125-120 on Sunday, stretching the Knicks' winning streak to 12 games.

Anthony, who had scored at least 40 points in each of the Knicks' past three triumphs, hit 15-of-29 from the field as New York snapped a five-game losing streak at Oklahoma City.

The Knicks, who have not lost since March 17 at the Los Angeles Clippers, improved to 50-26 - their winningest season since 1999-2000 - and moved within one victory or Brooklyn loss of clinching the Atlantic division title.

New York's current win streak, the third-longest in club history, is the best since a 15-game run during the 1993-94 campaign.

J.R. Smith added 22 points for New York, including two key baskets in a late 11-2 run in the fourth quarter. Raymond Felton scored 16 points and eight assists, Tyson Chandler had 15 points and Jason Kidd added 14.

AFP