Knicks hit a new low, lose, 104-59, to Celtics

BOSTON â€”  The New York Knicks’ brief winning streak is history, and the Boston Celtics nearly made history ending it.

The Celtics cruised to their biggest victory since Larry Bird was in high school in 1970, beating New York, 104-59, on Thursday night to send the Knicks to their third-worst loss and their second-worst scoring performance of the shot-clock era.

“Of course I am embarrassed. We lost by nearly 50 points,� Knicks guard Stephon Marbury said. “I’m angry. I’m always angry when I lose, but that was just flat-out embarrassing. To lose that bad was just ridiculous.�

Only Nate Robinson’s 37-foot three-point basket at the final buzzer saved the Knicks from scoring the fewest points in franchise history.

“We take two steps forward and one giant step back,� said embattled Knicks Coach Isiah Thomas. “I don’t know where this game came from. I thought we played extremely selfish tonight.�

Kevin Garnett played only 22 minutes, scoring eight points before leaving the game midway through the third quarter with Boston ahead, 69-34. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen also sat out the fourth quarter and played 29 minutes apiece.

Robinson finished with 11 points -- the only New York player in double figures.

Around the league

Miami Heat guard Smush Parker missed practice and has been put on the inactive list by the team in the wake of a dispute with a parking valet service. Police said Parker got into an argument Tuesday morning over whether he had paid a $12 valet parking fee at a condominium. Parker, who also missed Tuesday’s game against Charlotte, has not been charged.. . . . An MRI exam on LeBron James’ injured left finger revealed a sprain, and the Cleveland Cavaliers said the forward would be a game-time decision tonight at Toronto. He was hurt Wednesday against Detroit. . . . The Denver Nuggets signed center Jelani McCoy, 29, off the Lakers’ Developmental League affiliate.