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Curry, Marbury help Knicks crush lowly Sonics

Jan 6, 2007 - 7:27 AM SEATTLE (Ticker) -- The evolution of Eddy Curry continues.

Curry scored 22 of his 27 points in the first half as the New York Knicks cruised to a 111-93 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics.

Selected fourth overall in 2001, Curry is putting together his best season as a pro. He is averaging career highs in points (18.7) and rebounds (7.1) with eight double-doubles in 36 games.

"They've (Sonics) got quality big guys out there," Curry said. "I was expecting the double team so I just played with the flow of the game. I am starting to pass the ball a little bit better out of the double team. I tried to go quick and make a move sometimes and I just felt good."

On Friday, the 6-11 Curry connected on all nine of his shots and sank 9-of-12 free throws. He also pulled down six rebounds.

"His inside play really opened it up for the perimeter game and he was very good inside," New York coach Isiah Thomas said. "He was patient and was every efficient. He was a load."

"There just wasn't enough bodies," Seattle coach Bob Hill said. "We made the adjustment. We just couldn't deal with him (Curry) 1-on-1 in the post."

In the opening quarter, Curry scored seven straight points at one stage, helping New York open a 34-19 bulge with 52 seconds remaining.

"It was our inside game," Knick guard Jamal Crawford said. "Those guys set the tone, especially Eddy. He just opened up things for myself and Stephon (Marbury).

Marbury scored 28 points and Crawford added 22 for the Knicks, who jumped out to a 68-51 advantage after two quarters. They shot 55 percent (25-of-45) in the first half.

"It's always good coming home," said Crawford, who is Seattle native. "It's tough to play here because you know so many people in the crowd." Chris Wilcox scored 13 points and Ray Allen added 11 for the Sonics, who shot just 42 percent (32-of-75) in losing for the fifth time in their last six games.

"You've got to step up and knock down a couple of shot, and make them pay," Allen said. "I thought we played well but sometimes overpassed."