It didn't take long for Derek Harper to get the bulk of the playing time at point guard for the New York Knicks.
Harper, acquired last Thursday from the Dallas Mavericks, played 27 minutes Sunday night and was on the court during a 17-7 fourth-quarter run as New York defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 99-85.Patrick Ewing scored 36 points and John Starks added 30, but it was the newly acquired Harper who got the most attention afterward for playing quality minutes during the most crucial part of the game.
"It's still early, but you can tell he's going to be able to spark us in certain situations," said Charles Oakley, who had 14 points and 12 rebounds for his 16th double-double of the season - one more than he had all last season.
Harper had seven points and four assists and made a 20-foot jumper to give New York a 91-73 lead in the fourth quarter.
Suns 122, Warriors 107
At Phoenix, the Suns were without Charles Barkley and Kevin Johnson, but their bench took up the slack. A.C. Green had 29 points and 17 rebounds and three other Phoenix players scored at least 21.
Johnson missed his third straight game to rest a bruised right thigh and sprained ankle, but Frank Johnson filled in with a season-high 26 points and eight assists. Dan Majerle had 23 points and Danny Ainge 21.
Spurs 95, Lakers 89
At Inglewood, Calif., the Spurs held Los Angeles to 25 points in the first half - a franchise record-low for the Lakers.
The Lakers trailed 73-45 with 1:59 to play in the third period, but outscored San Antonio 44-22 the rest of the way. The final score marked the closest margin.