Anthony, Stoudemire join forces to lift Knicks past Hawks

The Knicks won a game with playoff intensity yesterday -- but without the defense they'll need to advance in the postseason.

Coach Mike Woodson gave Tyson Chandler the game off so he can rest; his team's defense rested too. But the Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks made enough late plays to pull off an entertaining 113-112 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

"Old school shootout, the offense was great," coach Mike Woodson said. "It just shows how valuable Tyson Chandler is to our ballclub. ... We defended in the fourth quarter, though. I give us that much credit."

Carmelo Anthony scored 39 points, including the gamer's final two points -- a long jumper with 1:40 remaining. Amar'e Stoudemire, playing his second game after missing the previous 13 with a bulging disc in his back, finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Filling in for Chandler at center, Stoudemire showed his explosiveness is returning.

The Knicks took a half-game lead over idle Philadelphia in the push for the No. 7 seed in the East with two games to play.

Marvin Williams scored 29 points to lead the fifth-place Hawks.

Al Iannazzone is a

Newsday staff writer.