New York, NY (Sports Network) - David Lee recorded his 33rd double-double of the season with 17 points and 13 rebounds, as the Knicks edged the Rockets, 104-98, at Madison Square Garden.
Nate Robinson added 19 points and Wilson Chandler 18 for New York, which has won four of five overall. Al Harrington tallied 13 points and Tim Thomas 11 in the win.
Chris Duhon logged 12 points and 11 assists for the Knicks, who beat the Rockets at The Garden for the first time since February 25, 2003.
Tracy McGrady dropped 20 points and six helpers for Houston, which closed out a three-game road trip at 1-2. Luis Scola ended with 16 points and 14 boards in defeat, while Carl Landry also donated 16 points.
With 3:53 left in the contest, Chandler was fouled attempting a layup and hit both shots to tie the game at 94.
Moments later, Scola put the visitors up by two via a layup, but Chandler gave the Knicks their first lead of the second half, 97-96, with a three- pointer with 2:20 left.
The teams traded baskets and the Knicks were up 101-98 with 25.6 ticks left, but the Rockets had possession.
Sports
McGrady air-balled a three off the inbounds and Scola grabbed the rebound under the hoop, but his bid didn't fall. Robinson then corralled the boards and was fouled. He drained both shots to give New York a 103-98 lead with 18.1 ticks left to play.
Houston failed to get any closer from there.
Thomas' three-pointer as time expired gave the Knicks a 29-23 lead heading into the second stanza, though the Rockets bounced back to grab a 58-55 advantage at the break.
Down by seven late in the third quarter, Robinson had a layup and Chandler connected on a three-point play to cut it to 76-74 with 1:32 left in the frame.
Houston led 80-74 heading into the final 12 minutes.
Aaron Brooks' layup opened an eight-point Houston lead with 9:08 left in the game and, following squandered possessions by both clubs, he added a free throw to make it 89-80.
Robinson answered with a jumper and Thomas knocked down three free throws to cut it to 89-85 with a bit over seven minutes remaining. On the ensuing Houston possession, Duhon had a steal which led to Robinson's three-ball cutting it to a one-point deficit.
