Knicks Put On Second-Half Show In Blowout Win Over Cavaliers

The Knicks Iman Shumpert goes strong to the hoop during their 120-103 win over the visiting Cavaliers on Feb. 29, 2012. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

NEW YORK (AP) Jeremy Lin checked back in, triggering the wave of cheers that accompany his every move at Madison Square Garden.

This time, they were for the guys leaving the game.

Lin had 19 points and 13 assists and Carmelo Anthony scored 22, but the New York Knicks turned around this one with their reserves to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-103 on Wednesday night.

I think our second unit did an awesome job, Lin said. I think weve been talking a lot about our depth and tonight we definitely got to see the depth, and so thats going to be a strength of ours and we need to continue to use that.

Steve Novak had 17 points off the bench as the Knicks turned a 17-point deficit into an easy win, outscoring the Cavs 71-42 in the second half. They capped a 10-5 month, their first 10-win February since going 10-3 in 1996-97.

The Knicks didnt lead until Novak made consecutive 3-pointers to put them up 75-74 with 2:52 left in the third quarter, then dominated the fourth quarter to send the Cavs to their third straight loss. Their bench produced 50 points, outscoring the starters 38-33 in the final 24 minutes.

We hope thats the normal-case scenario, if thats possible, coach Mike DAntoni said. And to be honest, the last couple of days in practice, that group has just kicked our first groups butt every day, so it wasnt different. Theyve been playing that way.

Antawn Jamison had 23 points and 10 rebounds for the Cavaliers, beaten at home by Boston on Tuesday, giving them losses on consecutive nights to two of the teams within reach for a playoff spot.

Kyrie Irving had 22 points and seven assists.

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Knicks Put On Second-Half Show In Blowout Win Over Cavaliers