NBA ROUNDUP : Knicks Go Overtime to Win

John Starks had a chance to win the game in regulation and shot an airball. Yet, when he had a chance to put the New York Knicks ahead in overtime, he did not hesitate.

Starks’ three-pointer from the top of the key negated the only basket the Philadelphia 76ers’ had in overtime and put the Knicks ahead for good in a 101-96 victory Monday night at Philadelphia.

“Confidence-wise, I don’t lack any of that,� Starks said. “It’s just being comfortable out there on the court. Right now, I’m just not into a good rhythm.�

Starks, who scored 16 points, is dissatisfied with his average of 14 points a game this season. But the five points he scored in overtime will help make him feel as if he is contributing.

“I just have to keep working hard at it, and all of a sudden it will pop into place and everything will come together,� he said. “I never give up on myself or doubt myself.�

The shot made amends for Starks’ bad miss with 3.3 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Charles Smith, who scored four of his 20 points in overtime, also played well when the Knicks needed him the most.

“I just want to try to do the little things that will help us to victory,� he said.

Philadelphia Coach John Lucas, whose team had enjoyed a modest two-game winning streak, said he liked what he saw on the floor--and after the game.

“In our locker room tonight, it looked like it hurt, and that’s a good sign,� said Lucas, in his first year with a team that won only 25 games last season.

New York’s Patrick Ewing led all scorers with 25 points. Dana Barros led the 76ers with 22 points, and Willie Burton and Wright had 19 apiece.

New Jersey 99, Chicago 94--Armon Gilliam scored 11 of his 24 points in the third quarter at Chicago, leading the Nets from a 19-point deficit to a victory that ended a four-game losing streak.

With 5:18 left, New Jersey took its first lead, 86-85, on a Gilliam’s drive. Gilliam made two free throws with 2:58 remaining to give New Jersey a 92-90 lead.

Pete Myers then grabbed a loose ball and passed to Scottie Pippen who was driving the lane for the dunk, tying it 92-92 with 1:49 left. With 1:19 to play, Kenny Anderson was fouled by Larry Krystkowiak. Anderson made one of two free throws, giving the Nets the lead for good at 93-92.

Anderson was fouled with 17 seconds left by Steve Kerr and made both free throws for a 95-92 lead. Sleepy Floyd sealed the victory with two more free throws with four seconds left.

The Nets, paced by Gilliam, rallied in the third quarter, trimming a 63-44 halftime deficit to 82-76 entering the fourth quarter.

Pippen led the Bulls with 23 points.

NBA Notes

Brad Daugherty of the Cleveland Cavaliers had two herniated disks removed from his lower back and will be sidelined for the rest of the regular season. There is a remote chance the 29-year-old center could return for the playoffs in April. Daugherty, a five-time all-star, missed the final 29 games of last season and hasn’t played at all this season. Daugherty, a five-time all-star, missed the final 29 games of last season and hasn’t played this season. . . . Houston’s Vernon Maxwell was fined $5,000 by the NBA for his failure to leave the court in a timely fashion and verbally abusing officials after he was ejected in the fourth quarter of the Rockets’ 113-109 victory over Golden State on Thursday.