Knicks hand Nuggets a second consecutive loss

NEW YORK — Danilo Gallinari scored 17 of his 28 points during a spirited duel with Carmelo Anthony in the third quarter, and the New York Knicks beat the Denver Nuggets, 109-104, on Tuesday night.

Al Harrington added 23 points for the Knicks, who climbed out of an early 12-point hole and took control late in the third period. David Lee finished with 12 points and 16 rebounds.

Anthony scored 36 points and Chauncey Billups had 25 for the Nuggets, who lost their second straight and fell into a tie with Dallas for second place in the Western Conference. Their magic number for clinching a playoff spot remained at three.

—Associated Press