STARS
Wednesday
— Stephon Marbury, Knicks, had 36 points and 10 assists to lead New York to an 88-77 win over Philadelphia.
— Kevin Garnett, Timberwolves, had 28 points and 19 rebounds in Minnesota's 121-97 win over Dallas.
HANDING THEM OUT
Damon Jones tied the NBA's season high with 17 assists in leading Milwaukee to a 105-97 win over Orlando on Wednesday night. Stephon Marbury had 17 twice this season — with Phoenix on Dec. 18 and again with New York on Jan. 16.
GOOD COMPANY
The Suns' Amare Stoudemire had 32 points to become the first Phoenix player in eight years to score at least 20 in 10 consecutive games. The Suns beat New Jersey 87-74 on Wednesday night. The last Phoenix player with a double-digit 20-point streak was Charles Barkley, who accomplished the feat twice during the 1995-96 season, his last in Phoenix.
SPEAKING
"I can't remember the last time I was struggling like that, not just missing shots but missing layups. Even guys on the other team were asking me if I was all right. I couldn't understand it." — Philadelphia's Allen Iverson, who returned after a four-game absence because of a bruised shoulder and shot 2-for-21 in an 88-77 loss to New York on Wednesday night.