New York 85, Phoenix 80

LAS VEGAS, April 18 – Wilson Chandler exploded for a game-high 31 points as the New York Knicks defeated the Phoenix Suns 85-80 in the first of six games on Friday during the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS.

Chandler scored 14 points in a huge fourth quarter. Mardy Collins and Anthony Roberson finished with 13 points apiece in the win.

“We played great,” Chandler said of his team’s performance. “We played better (defense) than we did last game -- that we stopped the ball and had a lot of confidence today, knocking down a few early shots really helped.”

With the teams tied at 73, Chandler hit a running layup that gave the Knicks a two-point a lead they would not relinquish. His jumper with 1:42 left stretched the lead to 79-75. Chandler scored 10 of New York's final 15 points.

Down by four, 82-78, the Suns' D.J. Strawberry drew a foul, hit both shots, and pulled his team within two at 82-80 with 19.3 seconds to play. Chandler iced the game with a pair of free throws with 1.6 seconds left to play.

New York used a 10-0 run in the second quarter en route to a 43-38 halftime lead.

The Suns were led by Strawberry, who finished with 21 points. Alando Tucker had 19 and first-round draft pick Robin Lopez notched 15.