The New York Knicks suffered the first embarrassing loss of the Carmelo Anthony era, falling to the hapless Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night at Quicken Loans Arena, 115-109. Though Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups did their part, the Knicks defense did them in again as five Cleveland players were in double figures -- three of which scored more than 20 points -- en route to the win.
Knicks Vs. Cavaliers Final Score: Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire Not Enough As Cleveland Wins, 115-109
After heading into the half tied, the Cavs came out firing in the third quarter, jumping out to an eight-point lead the Knicks couldn’t make up. Cleveland dominated the boards against a Knicks team still lacking an anchor in the middle, grabbing 62 rebounds to New Yorks 42. Though each team shot about the same from the field -- 41.9 percent for the Knicks to 42.4 percent for the Cavs -- Cleveland found its way to the line 44 times, hitting 33 free throws.
Antawn Jamison lead the way, finishing with 28 points and 13 rebounds. J.J. Hickson had a double-double, as well, with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Ramon Sessions (22 points), Anthony Parker (16 points) and Alonzo Gee (11 points) were also in double-figures.
Stoudemire led all scorers and had a double-double, scoring 31 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Anthony added 27 points and eight rebounds, with Billups pitching in 26 points and a team-high eight assists. Landry Fields was also in double-figures, scoring 11 points. Ronny Turiaf, the fifth starter and center for the Knicks, scored just two points in 26 minutes of floor time.
With the loss, the Knicks fell to 29-27 on the season. Though all losses count the same, dropping a game to the now 11-47 Cavs, losers of 26-straight at one point, is a tough pill to swallow for New York fans still basking in the glow of acquiring Anthony. The Knicks are back at it on Sunday, traveling to South Beach to face the Miami Heat.
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