Three was the magic number for the Knicks tonight. They snapped a three game losing streak and set a team record in three pointers in a 120-99 over the Memphis Grizzles at the Garden. Toney Douglas led the three point barrage against hitting nine shots from three point range and tying a record held by John Starks and Latrell Sprewell. He finished with 29 points.

Carmelo Anthony added 28 points and the Knicks as a team shot 52% overall and were 18 of 21 from the free-throw line.

Mike Conley scored 16 points for the Grizzlies.

Next up the Knicks face the Detroit Pistons tomorrow night at the Palace at Auburn Hills.

When the Knicks and Grizzles last faced each other on March 9th, the Knicks won 110-108. Coincidentally, it was the Knicks’ last win before their current three game losing streak. Carmelo Anthony led the team with 31 points, six assists and five rebounds and hit the game winning shot with .05 seconds left in the game.

Tonight’s game at the Garden is big. The Knicks need to win. The regular season’s end is just around the corner. This team needs to start playing like they are capable of playing. They also need to play defense. The past three games have been horrid defensively and even in the win against these Grizzles, New York allowed Memphis to shoot 53% from the field. One more note: Chauncey Billups needs to start hitting some three pointers. He has an “ofer” (0 for 11) from three point land since his return.

My prediction: Knicks 102-Memphis 98

Wishful thinking? Probably.