Knicks Vs. Hawks: Amar’e Stoudemire Carries Load In New York Win

Amar'e Stoudemire carried the load with 26 points as the New York Knicks knocked off the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on Sunday. The win moved the Knicks to within three games in the loss column behind Atlanta for the No. 5 seed in the East and a likely first-round date with the Orlando Magic. The No. 6 team would likely play the Celtics, Bulls or Heat.

Carmelo Anthony had a rough go against Marvin Williams and Josh Smith, shooting just 6-18 for 14 points. But he also had seven assists and seven rebounds, and the Knicks' supplemental players -- injured Chauncey Billups excluded -- picked up the slack. Notably, Anthony was on the bench during the 19-2 fourth quarter run that decided the game. Stoudemire led the Knicks to their biggest fourth quarter lead with Landry Fields, Toney Douglas, Shawne Williams and the unforgettable Roger Mason Jr. on the court.

The Hawks kept it close until that one, and despite Atlanta's fans being outnumbered about three to two. Al Horford was surprisingly ineffective with just four points, seven rebounds and five assists in 40 minutes; he should be eating defenses like the Knicks alive, spitting them out, and eating them again. Instead, he struggled to stay in front of Stoudemire, and couldn't punish Amar'e on the other end.