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Durant's buzzer-beater lifts Thunder over Knicks

Jan 23, 2011 - 6:53 AM Oklahoma City, OK (Sports Network) - Kevin Durant hit a three-pointer at the buzzer, lifting the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 101-98 victory Saturday over the New York Knicks.

Durant buried his game-winner over the outstretched arm of Danilo Gallinari -- and he did it in front of the New York bench, giving the Knicks front-row seats to their sixth consecutive loss.

It gave Durant 30 points and he added 12 rebounds for his first double-double in more than a month, helping the Thunder snap a two-game losing streak.

"It wasn't just that shot that won us the game, but to be honest it feels good. I miss so many of those," said Durant.

Gallinari scored 23 points to lead the Knicks, who finished an 0-3 road trip that also included losses in Houston and San Antonio.

"We lost a tough one," said Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni, who also had a close look at the final play.

"I thought it was great defense. Gallo did a great job," D'Antoni said. "Give [Durant] credit."

Neither team held a double-digit lead in a close game.

Raymond Felton gave the Knicks a three-point advantage on a tough fall-away jumper with 1:19 remaining. Durant missed a three at the other end, but Serge Ibaka grabbed the rebound and hit two free throws to get the Thunder within 98-97.

Oklahoma City tied the game on Russell Westbrook's free throw with 29.1 seconds left, but he missed the second one and New York had a good chance to take the lead.

However, Felton was off on a fadeaway jump shot and Durant grabbed the rebound in traffic. The Thunder called a timeout, setting the stage for Durant's heroics.

Westbrook finished with 28 points for Oklahoma City, including 14 at the foul line. Nenad Krstic added 12 points and Ibaka scored 11 with a game-high 15 rebounds off the bench.

Amare Stoudemire had 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks, who trailed 31-30 after the first quarter but surged to a 60-53 lead at halftime. New York carried a 77-75 edge into the fourth.

Game Notes

The Knicks have lost four straight road meetings with the Thunder dating back to 2007 when they were the Seattle SuperSonics...Oklahoma City extended its home winning streak to five games.