Hughes, Nate Lead Knicks to Important Win Over Bucks

After overcoming a nine-point third-quarter deficit, Larry Hughes and Nate Robinson were unstoppable down the stretch as they combined for 71 points to lead the Knicks to a much-needed 120-112 victory over the Bucks in the second game of a five-game road trip.

Not only did the victory prevent Milwaukee from its first season sweep of the Knicks since 1991-92, but it also helped New York gain ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Knicks moved within two and a half games of the final postseason spot while pushing the Bucks out of the top eight.

“It gives them some credence, ‘OK, we can do this, let's do this again,’” Knicks Head Coach Mike D'Antoni said after his team improved to 26-37. “Hopefully we'll be able to string some wins together and see what happens.”

Hughes, acquired at the trade deadline, scored a season-high 39 points in his New York coming out party. Robinson, the Knicks’ leading scorer since the All-Star break, poured in 10 of his 32 points during the critical final five minutes of play.

After Milwaukee took a 99-98 edge with 4:21 left, Robinson converted on a three-point play and drained a short jumper to put the Knicks up three on their ensuing possession. Hughes sealed the win with a 3-pointer to put New York up six with 1:34 to play.

“Obviously, Larry and Nate were unbelievable, but David Lee really set the tone in the second half with a few dunks, great defense and really playing as hard as he can,” D’Antoni said.

Lee sparked an 18-4 run to begin the second half and finished with 19 points and 18 rebounds for his league-leading 51st double-double of the season. Al Harrington contributed 18 points for the Knicks, who are coming off back-to-back losses to two teams also competing for their playoff lives.

“I thought that we could play better,” Lee said. “It's been frustrating last couple of games for everybody. We've been wanting to get a victory to push us in the right direction and end this season on a positive note.”

The Knicks will continue their longest remaining road trip of the season Wednesday against the Pistons, who are also looking to lockdown a playoff berth. The series between the teams is tied with each squad winning on their home court.

“We know we need to keep fighting and we’re playing a good team in Detroit that is trying to get momentum going into the playoffs," Harrington said. "I’m sure they’re going to give us their best shot.”