Former Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni used his fast-paced offensive style against his former club for a stunning upset as NBA doormat New York upset the league-leading Suns 126-99 on Tuesday.
Former Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni used his fast-paced offensive style against his former club for a stunning upset as NBA doormat New York upset the league-leading Suns 126-99 on Tuesday.
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Italian playmaker Danilo Gallinari scored 27 points and pulled down 10 rebounds while David Lee added 24 points and Al Harrington contributed 22 for the Knicks, who snapped a five-game losing streak and improved to 4-14.
The Suns, who were coached by D'Antoni for five seasons until he left last year, were held to their lowest point total of the season and were routed after winning four in a row by an average of 21 points.
Canadian guard Steve Nash scored 20 points to lead Phoenix while Amare Stoudemire, Jason Richardson and Alando Tucker each added 14 for the Suns, who fell to 14-4.
In his 100th game coaching the Knicks, D'Antoni won for just the 36th time as his high-powered system lacks the skilled talent he enjoyed in Phoenix, where the Suns averaged 58 triumphs over his four full seasons.
"I've got enough problems in New York that I don't really reflect on what they are doing," D'Antoni said.
The Suns, who had won nine of the 11 prior matchups against New York, missed the playoffs last season but have answered with their best start in five years.
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