Jazz 108, Knicks 87

By CHRIS SHERIDAN, AP Basketball Writer
November 12, 2002

NEW YORK (AP) -- When Mark Jackson heard what Don Chaney had said, he was determined to teach him a lesson by schooling Frank Williams.

Jackson took over in the second quarter when Utah pulled ahead for good, and John Stockton finished the job in the third period as the Jazz defeated the New York Knicks 108-87 Wednesday night.

In a game that further exposed one of the Knicks' many weaknesses, Utah's point guards were in control as New York played its second straight game without the injured Charlie Ward.

Chaney said Tuesday he wasn't too concerned about sending Williams, a rookie, up against Jackson. Chaney claimed he made the statement in jest, although Jackson wasn't too sure.

``I didn't take it as a compliment,'' Jackson said.

Jackson had six points, three assists and three rebounds in the second quarter when matched Williams, and Utah outscored New York 26-12 in the period to take a 48-30 halftime lead.

After Knicks starter Howard Eisley picked up his fourth foul just 3 minutes into the third quarter, Stockton took his turn picking apart Williams and then Shandon Anderson.

Stockton had 10 of his 12 points and four of his seven assists in the third as Utah went ahead by as many as 30, punctuating the performance with a burst of speed to get around Anderson for a layup that gave the Jazz a 69-46 lead.

``You're talking about 47 years experience in the pro ranks, so I'd be a little concerned,'' Jackson said of himself and Stockton, who actually have a combined 33 years of experience.

Whatever the measure, there was little that Williams could do against Jackson or Stockton while appearing in just his third NBA game and seeing his first extended playing time.

``It's just a thrill to be out there with guys you used to watch in college, and now you're playing against them. It's just a shock,'' Williams said. ``It's a matter of time before I get comfortable.''

The Knicks have lost seven of their first eight games. They have the worst record in the Eastern Conference and the second-worst mark in the NBA, although things could get better by the weekend when Latrell Sprewell returns from a broken hand that has sidelined him all season.

Karl Malone scored 21, Andrei Kirilenko added 20 and Matt Harpring 19 for the Jazz, who won on the road for the first time this season after losing their first four.

Clarence Weatherspoon had 17 and Lee Nailon 15 for the Knicks.

``I'm at a point right now where I'm really down and disappointed,'' Chaney said.

Things started going badly for New York early in the second quarter when Jackson, who spent the previous 1 1/2 seasons with the Knicks, started going against Williams.

A corner jumper by Jackson, a turnover by Williams, a 3-pointer by Scott Padgett off an assist from Jackson and a jumper by Jackson gave Utah a 35-24 lead. Jackson later grabbed a defensive rebound, pushed the ball upcourt and fed Malone in the open court, leading to two free throws for a 41-24 lead.

Williams ended the first half by shooting an airball from 3-point range.

Stockton took over in the third, beating Williams for a layup and then threading a bounce pass along the baseline while being double-teamed, leading to a three-point play by Kirilenko for a 69-46 lead.

``No disrespect, but you've got to kick 'em when they're down,'' Malonesaid.

Notes

Stockton and Malone each received polite applause in what may have been their final game at Madison Square Garden. Both have hinted at possibly retiring after this season. ... An MRI and a CAT scan on Ward's bruised leg revealed a soft tissue strain. His status is day-to-day. ... Sprewell's hand was X-rayed and he was cleared to begin full contact practices. ... C Michael Doleac made his Knicks debut, scoring one point in nine minutes on a technical free throw. ... Jazz coach Jerry Sloan and referee Tommy Nunez had a testy exchange after Stockton failed to get a continuation call after being fouled by Williams in the third quarter. ``He's only played 18 years in the league, and you treat him no better than a rookie,'' Sloan shouted. ``I've only reffed 30 years. I'm working as hard as he is,'' Nunez replied, bringing Sloan bounding out of his seat in anger. ``You're not even breaking a sweat,'' Sloan yelled. ``Call me anything, but don't call me lazy,'' Nunez responded. ... The Jazzhave won nine of the last 10 games between the teams.

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