Lee Leads Knicks Defeat of Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies' losing streak that started under Marc Iavaroni grew even longer in the first game after the coach was fired. Memphis lost 108-88 on Friday to a Knicks team building a little winning streak of its own.

David Lee had 19 points and 14 rebounds as New York won three in a row for the first time since early November. They'll go for a season-long four-game run Saturday at Philadelphia.

The Grizzlies have lost a season-high eight straight.

Rudy Gay led Memphis with 20 points. High-scoring rookie O.J. Mayo was held to 12 points, more than seven below his average, on 4-for-14 shooting.

For a few minutes, at least, the Grizzlies seemed to be fired up after the coaching change. Playing under interim coach Johnny Davis a day after Iavaroni was dismissed, the Grizzlies jumped to a 22-7 lead behind 10 quick points by Mike Conley.

After that, it was all Knicks.

New York went ahead just over two minutes into the second quarter, and the Grizzlies wouldn't lead again. The Knicks started to pull away behind a sizzling stretch from Al Harrington.

With New York up three and less than eight minutes left in the first half, Harrington scored on five straight possessions from all over the court. A turnaround jumper, two layups, a hook shot and a 3-pointer made up a personal 11-4 run to give the Knicks a 48-38 lead.

Chris Duhon's 3-pointer with four seconds remaining in the second quarter gave the Knicks their biggest lead of the half at 56-45.

The Knicks led by at least eight the entire second half.

Harrington and Nate Robinson each had 16 points off the bench for New York.

Conley finished with 18 points.

Memphis general manager Chris Wallace said before the game that he hoped to complete a contract with Bucks assistant Lionel Hollins by the end of the weekend to become the Grizzlies' permanent coach.

Iavaroni went 33-90 in 1 1/2 seasons with Memphis.