Douglas Steps Up As Knicks Sting Hornets

                                                                 New York, NY (WIBX)-  Toney Douglas got the opportunity to start tonight for the New York Knicks in place of injured point guard Chauncey Billups, and he didn't disappoint.  Douglas, who is used to getting his playing time off of the bench, scored 24 points for the Knicks, shooting 10 of 13 from the field.  Amare Stoudemire also scored 24 points while Carmelo Anthony added 22 as the Knicks won easily against the New Orleans Hornets 107-88.   Douglas was an immediate spark for the Knicks, scoring the team's first 5 points and 10 of his 24 in the first quarter.   The Knicks took a 10 point lead into halftime and continued to roll in the 3rd quarter, building up a lead of 20 by the start of the 4th, ensuring the win.

The Knicks came back with an impresssive showing after losing by 16 to the Magic on Tuesday.  Offensively and defensively this was one of the most solid games for the Knicks, shooting 55% from the field and holding their opponent to under 90 points, for only the 4th time this year.  The Knicks showed that when they play great defensively as a team, they are one of the most difficult teams in the league to beat.  This season, when holding opponents to under 95 points the Knicks are 13-1. 

Jarrett Jack led the way for the Hornets with 21 points, David West scored 16 and All-Star point guard Chris Paul was held to a dismal 4 points.  The Knicks have won their last 6 games against the Hornets, who have lost 12 out of their last 16 games overall.  Chauncey Billups was out due to injury for the Knicks with a bruised thigh after injuring it in the Knick's loss to the Magic.  His status for Friday's game is uncertain as the Knicks look to avenge an earlier loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.