Knicks Hold Off Late Charge From Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers made a late rally to tighten things up, but the New York Knicks improved to 17-6 under interim coach Mike Woodson with a 99-93 win at Madison Square Garden Wednesday night

The Knicks led 90-72 in the fourth quarter before the Clippers rallied to within one point, but J.R. Smith knocked down a jumper to give New York a three point cushion. Smith led the Knicks (35-30) with 21 points, while Carmelo Anthony scored 17 and Steve Novak added 14.

Blake Griffin paced L.A. with 29 points and and ten boards, and Randy Foye scored 28, including 15 in the third quarter.

While New York did its part, the Magic locked up the sixth seed by defeating the Bobcats on Wednesday, meaning the Knicks will either be a seven or eight seed when the playoffs begin this weekend. They're currently share an identical record with the Sixers who end their season Thursday in Detroit.

If the Knicks end the regular season with a win in Charlotte on Thursday night they will claim the seventh spot with a better head-to-head record against Philly this season.