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Douglas, Knicks blast Wizards; Arenas makes season debut

Nov 6, 2010 - 4:14 AM New York, NY (Sports Network) - Toney Douglas scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds off the bench, as the New York Knicks handled the Washington Wizards, 112-91, at debris-free Madison Square Garden.

Amare Stoudemire added 18 points for the Knicks, who returned to The World's Most Famous Arena after falling debris in the 42-year-old structure forced the postponement of New York's scheduled home game against Orlando on Tuesday.

"We are playing well, we really are," Stoudemire said. "We're doing a good job defensively. That's the most important factor for us right now. Our offensive is going to work itself out. Guys are slowly getting into their rhythm out there. It seems to be playing well for us."

Danilo Gallinari finished with 16 points, while Wilson Chandler chipped in with 14 points and six boards off the bench for the victors.

"Our game plan tonight was that we got back in transition defense," Douglas said. "Our defense would be our offense and that's what happened tonight."

Washington guard Gilbert Arenas made his season debut, scoring 18 points off the bench. Arenas, who missed the Wizards' first three games of the year with a strained tendon in his right ankle, sat out Washington's final 50 games last season after pleading guilty in January to the charge of carrying a pistol in the District of Columbia without a license. He was sentenced to 30 days in a halfway house and two years probation in March.

"Making your first shot always feels good," Arenas said. "The first couple of ones I rushed it, just being nervous out there. In the fourth quarter, I really began to feel comfortable."

Andray Blatche ended with 22 points and six rebounds for Washington, which fell to 1-3 on the season. John Wall added 13 points and seven assists.

"We had some bad decision making from time to time, but I thought I did a good job of trying to find my teammates," Wall said. "They (Knicks) did a good job defensively and switching it up. I did try to force it and they did a good job of stopping it."

The Wizards held a 27-26 edge following 12 minutes of action, but the Knicks used a strong second quarter to take the lead.

Trailing by one, 43-42, New York went on a 16-2 run. Raymond Felton tallied the final six points of the burst to take a 58-45 lead with over two minutes until half. The score was 58-49 at the break.

New York took an 81-73 advantage into the final period.

Ahead 94-88, the Knicks ripped off six straight points to put the game out of reach. Gallinari's trey made it a 100-88 with 5 1/2 minutes to go.

Game Notes

The Knicks have topped Washington six straight times at MSG...New York shot 50.6 percent from the field, while the Wizards made 45.3 percent of their shots...Washington had 25 turnovers, leading to 29 New York points.