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Knicks can equal last season's win total

Feb 10, 2007 - 5:46 PM New York (22-28) at Utah (32-17) 9:00 pm EST

SALT LAKE CITY (Ticker) -- The current New York Knicks can equal last season's win total before the All-Star break.

Looking to match a season high with their third straight win, the Knicks will open a three-game road trip against the Utah Jazz on Saturday.

After having one of the worst seasons in franchise history last campaign, New York coach Isiah Thomas was handed down an ultimatum from owner James Dolan to make significant progress by season's end or lose his job. Having taken steps forward, the Knicks aim to match their win total from 2005-06 (23-59) with a victory on Saturday.

In its last contest, New York overcame an early deficit to post a 102-90 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. One of the cornerstones of the Knicks' improved play, center Eddy Curry had 23 points and eight rebounds and Jamal Crawford also netted 23 for the Knicks, who picked up their third straight home win.

Averaging 23.0 points in his last eight games, Curry is taking out his frustration on his opponents after being left off the All-Star team when the reserves were announced last week. He will look to keep it going against the Jazz, who have won four of their last six games.

Utah held off the Chicago Bulls, 100-95, for their third straight win on Monday. Mehmet Okur scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and Deron Williams collected 18 points and 13 assists for the Jazz, who continue to play without star forward Carlos Boozer.

Versatile forward Andrei Kirilenko is day-to-day with back spasms.

Utah has lost its last five games against New York.