(Sports Network) - The New York Knicks will put the finishing touches on an
unsuccessful road trip Monday, when they visit the Utah Jazz.
The Knicks have lost the first four tests of this five-game western trek and
are coming off Sunday's 93-80 setback to the Los Angeles Clippers. Playing
without Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler and Amare Stoudemire, the Knicks were
paced by J.R. Smith's 17 points.
Raymond Felton added 16 points and nine assists, while Chris Copeland scored
13 points in the loss.
"Our shot selection wasn't good," Knicks coach Mike Woodson said. "When we had
looks, we couldn't make shots."
New York will most likely not have Anthony back Monday due to a balky right
knee that had to be drained back home. Chandler is questionable with a knee
and back issue and Stoudemire (knee surgery) won't be back for a few weeks.
The Knicks' lead atop the Atlantic Division has dwindled down to one game
ahead of the Brooklyn Nets.
Following Monday's game against the Jazz, the Knicks, who are 16-16 on the
road and third in the Eastern Conference, will return to Madison Square Garden
Wednesday versus Orlando.
Utah shoots for a fourth straight home win and recorded a 90-84 triumph over
Memphis Saturday in Salt Lake City.
Gordon Hayward had 17 points and Al Jefferson added 14 for the Jazz, who have
won two of three games and held Memphis to nine points in the third quarter.
Paul Millsap and Mo Williams each scored 13 points in the victory.
"A win, we need a win against anybody. We are where we are," said Jazz coach
Tyrone Corbin. "We need to win our share of games out to have a chance to make
the playoffs. Great win here on our home court against a quality ball club."
The Jazz are just one game off the eighth and final postseason spot in the
West and own a strong 24-8 home record. Following Monday's home tilt with the
Knicks, Utah will take a tour through Texas against Houston, San Antonio and
Dallas.
Utah recently lost to the Knicks, 113-84, on March 9 at Madison Square Garden
and have dropped three straight in this series. New York, though, is winless
in its previous five visits to Salt Lake City.
The Jazz are 14-4 in the last 18 home meetings with the Knicks.
The Sports Network