Michael Beasley spoiled Carmelo Anthony’s return to Madison Square Garden

Carmelo Anthony received a smattering of boos and cheers in his first game back at Madison Square Garden since New York traded him over the summer. But it was Michael Beasley who deserved — and often received — a standing, uproarious ovation as he stole the show in the Knicks’ 111-96 win over the Thunder on Saturday.

Beasley tied his season best with a game-high a 30 points on an efficient 11-of-18 shooting from the field, making both of his three-point attempts. He went off for 12 points in the third quarter alone, and powered an overmatched Knicks team to a win without both Kristaps Porzingis (sore knee) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (stress leg injury)

Anthony had a lukewarm homecoming, finishing with 12 points on 5-of-18 shooting. All 12 of his points came in the first half. He started the night 3-of-6 from the field, but made just two of his next 12 shots in the game. Melo turned the ball over five times, and the Thunder were outscored by seven with him on the floor.

Beasley stole the show, and his highlight reel against the Thunder was impressive.

There was his spinning finish around Josh Huestis:

His bucket over a solid defender in Andre Roberson:

His pinning rejection of what would have been a beautiful Melo post-up basket:

And each of his four assists, including a dime to an open Kyle O’Quinn in the fourth:

Saturday may have been Carmelo Anthony’s homecoming, but it was Michael Beasley who stole the show. And it’s been Beasley’s play that has helped the Knicks to a 16-13 record, right in the mix of the early season playoff picture.