Knicks Beat Nets 92-83 In Preseason Opener
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Carmelo Anthony scored 17 points in three quarters, rookie Iman Shumpert added 16, and the New York Knicks beat the New Jersey Nets 92-83 on Saturday in the preseason opener for both teams.
Renaldo Balkman had 20 points for the Knicks, who got only 10 points on 3-of-11 shooting from Amare Stoudemire. But they got a strong effort from their reserves, with Shumpert, the first-round pick from Georgia Tech, outplaying starting guards Toney Douglas and Landry Fields.
Tyson Chandler, who helped Dallas win the NBA title before coming to New York in a sign-and-trade, had four points, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks in 27 minutes.
Brook Lopez and Anthony Morrow each scored 15 for the Nets, but All-Star guard Deron Williams shot just 4 of 12 and scored nine. The Nets are hoping to trade for Dwight Howard, but in the meantime appear short on talent beyond Williams and Lopez.
Mike Bibby's 3-pointer at the third-quarter buzzer gave the Knicks a 69-66 lead, and Balkman scored the first seven points of the fourth as New York pulled away.
The teams meet again Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
