NY Knicks Beat Utah Jazz without Grieving Stoudemire

The New York Knicks beat Utah 99-88 despite the absence of grieving Amare Stoudemire and an injury to Carmelo Anthony.

Stoudemire left the team Monday to be with his family in Florida, where his elder brother Hazell was killed in a road accident early in the day.

The Knicks held a moment of silence for Hazell Stoudemire before the game, and coach Mike D'Antoni said it wasn't yet certain when Amare Stoudemire, the team's second-leading scorer would return.

"I know he's very close to his brother," D'Antoni said. "So my heart's out for him. He cherishes his family. He does a great job of maintaining all relationships. This is a trying moment for him."

The Knicks lost forward Anthony midway through the first quarter to a right groin strain.

It's just the latest injury Anthony has dealt with in the lockout-shortened season, including a sprained right ankle and injuries to his left wrist and right thumb.

Jeremy Lin led the Knicks with 28 points and eight assists. Steve Novak chipped in 19 points and Jared Jeffries added 13 for New York.