If an opponent has a weakness, exploit it. It's a fundamental principle in winning a war -- and basketball games, too. That much was proven Wednesday night, when the Jazz attacked a weak spot of the New York Knicks early in their 98-90 victory over the defending Eastern Conference champions.
His name was Chris Dudley, and the Jazz went right at him. Three straight times to start the game the Jazz pounded the ball into center Olden Polynice, who was being guarded -- if you can call it that -- by Dudley. Three straight times Polynice scored, for six of his season-high eight points. After a couple of timeouts the Knicks put Dudley on Karl Malone and had Larry Johnson guard Polynice. What did the Jazz do? Get the ball in to Malone, who finished with a game-high 33 points. -- Tim BuckleyRecords: Jazz 5-3, Knicks 5-5
Next for the Jazz: Friday, 6 p.m., at Minnesota
THREE KEYS
-- Karl Malone scores season-high 33 points, including 13 free throws
-- Jazz abuse Knicks center Chris Dudley at start, and he sits after first five minutes
-- Jazz make their first 10 shots from the floor, and 15 of their first 16
QUOTEABLE
"We weren't ready. We weren't focused, and we weren't sharp early." -- Knicks forward Latrell Sprewell