NEW YORK, N.Y. -- David Lee scored 30 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and doled out a season-high six assists to lead the New York Knicks in a 128-122 victory over the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden in the front end of a home-and-home set.
Al Harrington totaled 27 points and Quentin Richardson 26 for the Knicks, who have won back-to-back games for the first time since December 10-13. Chris Duhon added 17 points and nine assists while Wilson Chandler had 14 points in the win.
Nick Young poured in a career-high 33 points for the Wizards, who have dropped six consecutive games. Caron Butler chipped in 25 points and Mike James 20 in defeat.
Two free throws from Butler cut Washington's deficit to 114-111 with 3:19 showing on the clock.
However, Lee had a layup and Richardson drained a three-pointer to boost New York's lead to 119-111, and the Wizards failed to pull closer than six points down the stretch.
The Knicks led 36-30 after the first quarter but were up just 67-66 at the break.
The teams traded baskets and the score was close throughout the third quarter, but Harrington's fast break dunk and Lee's two free throws gave the home team a 94-87 lead heading into the final 12 minutes.
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Young's jumper brought the visitors within 100-99 with just over eight minutes left in the game.
Lee's dunk and four points from Duhon highlighted New York's 8-3 run that gave the Knicks a 108-102 lead with about 5 1/2 minutes left to play.
