Anthony shines as Knicks rout Magic

NEW YORK — The shorthanded New York Knicks won their eighth game in the last nine Wednesday by overpowering the Orlando Magic 108-86 behind a 25-point performance from Carmelo Anthony.

Anthony, who also had six assists and five rebounds, took charge of the Knicks’ offense with Jeremy Lin and Amare Stoudemire both sitting out with injuries. Anthony was playing hurt as he had to battle through a groin problem Wednesday.

Iman Shumpert finished with 25 points while Steve Novak and J.R. Smith had 16 and 12, respectively, off the bench for New York.

The win gives the Knicks a sweep of their three game homestand and it was their eighth win in the last nine.

The Knicks went on a 12-0 run in the second quarter and on a 21-0 run in the third quarter to take command of the contest.

Guard Baron Davis started in place of point guard Lin and finished with 11 points. Lin is out with a sore knee while forward Stoudemire is receiving treatment for a bulging disk in his lower back.

With their victory, the Knicks improved to 8-1 under interim coach Mike Woodson.

Jameer Nelson and Dwight Howard combined for 29 points for Orlando, who lost for the first time in four games.

The Magic made just nine of their 17 free-throw attempts.