Knicks Edged By Thunder As Carmelo Sits Again

Kevin Durant had 34 points, including the go-ahead free throws with 1:38 left, and the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled out a 95-94 victory over the New York Knicks on Thursday night.

Russell Westbrook struggled over the final three quarters but finished with 21 points, six rebounds and five assists in the Thunder's first trip to New York since Dec. 22, 2010. Durant also had eight boards and six assists.

Oklahoma City posted its third straight win, fighting off a spirited effort by a Knicks team missing All-Star Carmelo Anthony.

J.R. Smith scored a season-high 36 points for the Knicks, but missed a turnaround jumper that would have won it as time ran out.

Anthony missed his second straight game with what the Knicks said is a stiff and sore right knee.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)