Knicks Win Close One Over Kings

LAS VEGAS, NV, July 10, 2006 -- Nate Robinson hit two free throws with 17 seconds left on the clock to give the New York Knicks a 77-76 lead and the eventual 79-78 win over the Sacramento Kings. Kevin Martin’s driving lay-up gave the Kings a 76-75 advantage with 34 seconds left, but on the ensuing play Robinson was fouled and hit both free throws. Martin had a chance to win the game for the Kings with five seconds left, but his running jumper was off right and Robinson was fouled converting two free throws afterwards. With one second left, Christian Maraker hit two free throws for the eventual one point loss.

Robinson led the Knicks in scoring with 16 points (5-12 FG, 5-7 FT), while Renaldo Balkman had 13 points (5-13 FG) and 13 rebounds.

Martin led the Kings with 24 points (7-18 FG) and 10 rebounds, while UNLV product Louis Amundson had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

The Knicks shot 40 percent (27-67 FG) for the game, while Kings shot 48 percent (28-59 FG).

Ron Artest pitched in seven points (3-6 FG) and four rebounds in 17 minutes of play. Artest did not play in the second-half.

The Kings held a 10 point halftime advantage, 45-35. They were led in scoring by Amundson (4-5 FG) and Martin (3-4 FG, 4-6 FT), each pitching in 11 points.

David Lee led the Knicks in scoring in the first-half, scoring eight points (3-7 FG) and grabbing six rebounds.

Sacramento shot a sizzling 57 percent (17-30 FG) in the first-half, while New York shot just 35 percent (12-34 FG).

News and Notes: Channing Frye did not play due to a sprained left ankle he suffered in the last game…Francisco Garcia and Quincy Douby did not play for the Kings…the Maloof family were courtside, while Isiah Thomas and other Knicks front office personnel were in the stands…the Toshiba Vegas Summer League (www.vegassummerleague.com) website is averaging 4.6 million hits a day since July 5th.