How it Happened
The Knicks came out fighting in the fifth and final game of their grueling Western Conference road trip, building a 29-23 lead after one quarter against Eric Bledsoe and the Suns. Even after a 9-2 Phoenix run late in the 2nd quarter, Derek Fisher's team took a 48-47 lead into halftime.
Lance Thomas ended the first half with an emphatic putback dunk to lead New York with 10 points. Andrea Bargnani and Alexey Shved each had nine before the break (and 18 apiece in the game), and the Knicks' offense was keeping up with the Suns' uptempo attack.
But once Langston Galloway headed to the bench with his fourth foul less than four minutes into the second half, Phoenix seized the momentum. Bledsoe went on the attack, finishing with 21 points, 11 assists and 9 rebounds in leading his team to the 102-89 victory. With Galloway and Lou Amundson battling foul trouble down the stretch and some untimely turnovers, which Phoenix converted into 21 fastbreak points, the Knicks couldn't keep up as the Suns picked up a much-needed win in their chase for the playoffs.
Knick of the Night
Thomas gave the Knicks great energy in the first half. He played with confidence on offense and made some good things happen in the high post, while pulling down four rebounds and getting to the free throw line 10 times.
Game Notes
Tim Hardaway Jr. left the game after landing on his right wrist midway through the second quarter. He did not return. Cleanthony Early suffered a sprained left ankle in the 3rd quarter, ending his night after just six minutes on the court.
Next Up
The Knicks return home after playing five games in seven days, with one day to prepare for the defending-champion Spurs, who make their only trip to the Garden on Tuesday night.