Before Phil Jackson can begin reshaping their future, the New York Knicks are trying to make something of their present.

Carmelo Anthony scored 23 points and Tim Hardaway had 20 as the Knicks beat the Milwaukee Bucks 115-94 on Saturday, giving them a season-high six straight victories as they prepare to welcome Jackson back to the franchise.

"We've got to really focus in on what's the task at hand, and that's still trying to make this push and not even looking forward to next season at this point," Anthony said.

Amare Stoudemire and JR Smith each scored 15 for the Knicks, who easily ended their daytime woes by pounding the team with the NBA's worst record.

New York began the day 3 games behind Atlanta for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. But the push has taken a backseat to the news that Jackson was coming in to run the Knicks' front office.

"I think our focus is solely on what we have to accomplish to make the playoffs, to be honest," center Tyson Chandler said.

"I know it's a lot going on, but as an athlete, you don't pay too much attention to it, because it's out of your control."

Stoudemire agreed, adding: "Better late than never,"

The Knicks shot 55 percent, led by as much as 25 points and have won six in a row by double digits for the first time since November 1969, according to information provided to the club by Elias Sports Bureau.

"The easiest thing to do at this point in time is to start talking about next year, but the guys on the team seem pretty confident about just staying focused right now, winning basketball games and try to make this push for the playoffs," Anthony said.

- Associated Press

(China Daily 03/17/2014 page24)