TORONTO, 25 March 2005 — Jamal Crawford scored 21 points to help the New York Knicks end Boston’s seven-game winning streak with a convincing 107-82 victory over the Celtics on Wednesday.
The hosts Knicks won for the third time in four games, and for the first time in four outings against the Celtics this season to avoid a series sweep.
The contest featured seven technical fouls and one flagrant foul in the first half as the 11th-place Knicks handed Boston its second loss in 13 games since acquiring Antoine Walker.
Boston, which had scored 100 or more points in six straight games, shot 38 percent as it was held to a season-low points total.
Trevor Ariza added 14 points for the Knicks while Tim Thomas and Maurice Taylor had 13 apiece.
Walker led Boston with 13 points and 10 rebounds but shot 5-for-20 from the field. No other Celtic hit double figures in scoring.
In Indianapolis, Reggie Miller chalked up 21 points to reach 25,000 in his career and guide the Indiana Pacers to a 100-93 triumph over the San Antonio Spurs.
Miller became the 13th player to reach the 25,000 milestone. Austin Croshere added 18 points for the Pacers.
Brent Barry had 17 points but could not prevent the Spurs (50-18) losing their third straight game. Tim Duncan was again missing with an ankle injury.
In Charlotte, Shawn Marion registered 26 points and 10 rebounds as the Phoenix Suns beat the Bobcats 120-105.
It was Phoenix’s 28th win on the road this season, a franchise record, and the ninth in a row away from home.
Joe Johnson picked up 26 points for the Suns while Amare Stoudemire had 23 points and 14 rebounds. Jason Hart led Charlotte with 21 points.
In Toronto, Eddy Curry contributed 16 points as the Chicago Bulls notched their eighth successive victory over the Raptors, by a 94-85 margin. Rookie Andres Nocioni had 10 points and eight rebounds for the Bulls, who amassed 40 points in the second quarter.
Jalen Rose scored 30 points for the Raptors, who shot a season-low 32 percent from the field.
In Minneapolis, Kevin Garnett posted 24 points and 13 rebounds to carry the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 107-102 win over the New Orleans Hornets.
Eddie Griffin chipped in with 12 points and 10 rebounds for the T-Wolves, who never trailed. Jamaal Magloire led the Hornets with 20 points and 17 rebounds while JR Smith added 20 points and seven assists.
In Philadelphia, Allen Iverson piled up 39 points and 10 assists as the 76ers overwhelmed the Detroit Pistons 107-84.
Andre Iguodala had a triple-double for the Sixers with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists while Chris Webber added 19 points.
Rasheed Wallace paced Detroit’s offense with 17 points and nine rebounds.
In Oakland, Dirk Nowitzki collected 29 points and 10 rebounds to inspire the Dallas Mavericks to a 109-97 win over the Golden State Warriors.
Keith Van Horn added 24 points for Dallas. Baron Davis had 22 points and eight assists for Golden State.
In Los Angeles, Corey Maggette scored 34 points as the Clippers beat the Milwaukee Bucks 116-108.
Elton Brand added 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Clippers. Michael Redd notched 31 points for Milwaukee.
