Rampant Grizzlies hand Knicks first defeat

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (AFP) –

Memphis took firm control with a 19-1 scoring run in the third quarter

The Memphis Grizzlies handed the New York Knicks their first defeat of the NBA season, another big win in their impressive early campaign, with Marc Gasol, pictured earlier in the season, adding 24 points and seven rebounds in the 105-95 win

The Memphis Grizzlies handed the New York Knicks their first defeat of the NBA season, another big win in their impressive early campaign.

Zach Randolph had 20 points and 15 rebounds and Marc Gasol added 24 points and seven rebounds as the Grizzlies beat the Knicks 105-95.

Rudy Gay scored 17 points and Mike Conley chipped in 16 points with eight assists for Memphis, who are perfect since a season-opening loss to the Los Angeles Clippers and improved to a league-leading 7-1.

The triumph comes on the heels of a 104-86 victory over reigning NBA champions Miami on Sunday and a 107-97 victory over last season’s Western Conference champion Thunder in Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

The Knicks, who went into the contest as the league’s only unbeaten team and off to their first 6-0 start since 1993, were led by Carmelo Anthony’s 20 points.

New York shot a creditable 51 percent from the floor, but the Grizzlies’ 12 offensive rebounds led to a 10-point advantage in second-chance points.

Memphis took firm control with a 19-1 scoring run in the third quarter, building a 77-56 lead.

The Knicks let the frustration get the better of them, with Anthony, Rasheed Wallace and coach Mike Woodson assessed technical fouls and J.R. Smith whistled for a flagrant foul in the third.