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Struggling Knicks look to get revenge on Heat

Jan 26, 2007 - 5:16 PM Miami (19-23) at New York (18-26) 7:30 pm EST

NEW YORK (Ticker) -- The New York Knicks have payback on their minds against the rejuvenated Miami Heat.

After suffering an embarrassing defeat against the Heat on Monday, the struggling Knicks will look to rebound when the teams face off again on Friday.

Jason Kapono scored 13 of his 22 points in the first quarter and Jason Williams finished with 20 as the undermanned Heat got off to a red-hot start en route to a 101-83 home victory over New York on Monday.

Gary Payton had 10 points and a season-high 13 assists for Miami, which was playing without superstars Shaquille O'Neal (knee surgery) and Dwyane Wade (ankle) but came out energized from the opening tip.

Miami used a 27-0 run in the first period, with Kapono shooting 5-of-7 from the field, including 3-of-3 from the arc. The Heat took a commanding 40-12 lead into the second quarter.

Miami figures to be even stronger in the rematch. After missing 35 games recovering, O'Neal returned and had five points and five blocks in 14 minutes of Wednesday's 96-94 loss at Indiana. Wade also returned after missing just one game with an ankle injury.

New York has lost four of its last five games. On Wednesday, the Knicks were defeated by red-hot Phoenix, 112-107. Eddy Curry scored 25 points for the Knicks but left the game in the fourth quarter with a strained left calf.