“Starbury” Returns As Knicks Shock Jazz 113-109

For one night anyway it was the return of “Starbury” at MSG as the New York Knicks shocked the Utah Jazz Monday night beating them 113-109. This was the Knicks second win in a row, but it was one thing to defeat a Chicago Bulls team that is flailing for it’s identity. It is quite another feat for the Knicks to defeat a high flying team like the Jazz, and Stephon Marbury was the key.

The world can change drastically in a week, especially in Professional Sports. A week ago the “Isiah Watch” was on in the New York Tabloids, and Marbury was in the Knick’s coach doghouse, coming off the bench. A feud had broken out between Thomas and his point guard, who reportedly were so close that they and their wives used to socialize. Mardy Collins was inserted into the Knicks starting lineup, and New York who had already lost 2 in a row, lost their next six.

But Marbury was reinserted back into the starting lineup, mid-week. And then Thomas announced to New York reporters he was not going anywhere last Friday. He had received word from Knicks owner James Dolan that he would not be fired during the season. The Knicks 8 game losing streak ended the next night against Chicago.

New York led this game from the jump, winning the first quarter over Utah 31-27, and extending the lead to 6 at the half 58-52. Marbury looked like the man known during his glory days as “Starbury” as he scored 28 points, shooting 9-14 from the field, 3-3 from outside the arc, and 7-8 from the line. Stephon dished off 6 assists, had 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 blocked shot. Zach Randolph, came up big for the Knicks scoring 25 points, shooting 11-15 from the field, 3-5 from the line,and had a game high 14 rebounds.?Jamal Crawford scored 22 points for?New York in the win.

Carlos Boozer had another tremendous game for Utah even in the loss. Boozer had yet another double-double scoring 30 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 blocked shot. Deron Williams continued to impress at the point, scoring 26 points, a game high 8 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal. Starter Ronnie Brewer and?reserve Paul Milsap each had 13 for Utah?in the loss, each also?had 6 rebounds. The Knicks improve to 4-9, while Utah falls to 10-5.