Manny Harris has 19 points as Cleveland defeats Knicks

By Mary Schmitt Boyer

The Cleveland Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND

Manny Harris was a tad surprised when he banked in a 42-foot jumper as the shot clock expired early in the fourth quarter of the Cavaliers’ 98-90 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday at The Q.

He was trying to swish it.

“Believe or not, I threw it up as high as I could because I wanted it to drop straight in, but it wound up hitting the glass,” said Harris, who finished with 19 points and a career-high 12 rebounds, all on the defensive end, while playing more than 40 minutes.

“I felt we had the game in hand when he throws up the bank shot,” Cavs coach Byron Scott said.

Almost as improbable as that shot is the fact the victory was the 10th straight for the Cavs over the Knicks at The Q.

“I can’t explain it whatsoever, I really can’t,” said Scott, whose team is 21-41 but 2-2 against New York. “I thought tonight we really came ready to play and I thought they were not into it for whatever reason, and we took full advantage of it.”

Harris, always a fan favorite, took full advantage of the extra minutes available when Lester Hudson opted to sign with his hometown Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday. Harris has started the past two games for forward Alonzo Gee, who has missed three straight games with a sprained left ankle.

“I’ve had opportunities since I’ve been here, off and on,” Harris said. “Whether Lester was here or not, I think I still would have had the opportunity whether it was 40 minutes or 20 minutes or 15. There’s always opportunities.

“Every game is important for me to continue to show not only this team but everyone around the league that I belong here. I’ll just take these last four games one game at a time.”