Los Angeles  - Mighty mite Nate Robinson stole the show in the Knick of time.

Robinson exploded for a season-high 41 points, including a steal and the tie-breaking layup with 26 seconds left, carrying the New York Knicks to a 123-119 over the short-handed Indiana Pacers on Monday night.

The reigning Slam Dunk Champion hit 11-of-18 shots, including four three-pointers, and converted 15-of-19 free throws, matching the Knicks' record for most points off the bench, set by Bob McAdoo against Atlanta on December 17, 1978.

"On a night where we lacked energy and a real focus on the game, Nate really picked it up," Knicks Mike D'Antoni said of his 5-foot-9 spark plug. "He did a terrific job making every big play out there."

Al Harrington had 27 points, and David Lee chipped in with 20 along with 13 rebounds for New York (24-32) which eclipsed its entire victory total of last season.

"Both teams played sloppy tonight but a win is a win," Lee said. "Nate's play was unbelievable throughout the whole third and fourth quarters. Anytime he plays like that he's tough to stop when he's being aggressive. Big plays by him, big win for us."

Jarrett Jack led Indiana (24-35) with 33 points and Marquis Daniels added 28 - both season-highs - while Troy Murphy had 19 with 21 rebounds.

Despite playing without All-Star Danny Granger (right tendon tear), Mike Dunleavy (sore right knee) and T. J. Ford (flu), the Pacers were tied with the Knicks at 51 in a lethargic first-half.

In need of a spark, Robinson emerged as the energizer. The speedy 5-foot-9 guard erupted for 32 points after intermission, including a four-point play that gave the Knicks a 10-point cushion early in the fourth period.

However, the Pacers caught and went ahead of the Knicks, 119-117 on two free throws by Jack with 61 seconds left. Robinson knotted the game with two of his own at the other end.

The Pacers looked to take the lead, but Wilson Chandler blocked Brandon Rush's shot. With little time left on the shot clock, Jeff Foster threw a difficult inbound pass from his own baseline towards the three-point arc. Robinson intercepted the errant toss and darted past Jack for the go-ahead layup, sending the Madison Square Garden crowd into a frenzy.

"I had to deny my man, and knew he couldn't make that pass because the backboard was in the way and everybody was denying," Robinson said. "He threw it too high, I got it and had to make the layup."

The Pacers had a opportunity to tie the game, but Murphy was whistled for a traveling violation in the lane, and Robinson made both free throws to seal the win. (dpa)