By Tennie Sumague
EBC New York Bureau
NEW YORK (Eagle News) — A sold out Madison Square Garden crowd warmly welcomed Carmelo Anthony back during the pregame introductions as the New York Knicks franchise paid tribute to their former All-Star.
Then it was back to business.
Michael Beasley scored a career best 30 points as the Knicks won their fourth straight game, a 111-96 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder Saturday night.
Fans cheered and jeered for Anthony, who opened the game with a three-pointer but was held scoreless in the second half. He finished the night with 12 points on 5-for-18 shooting.
“[For] somebody who wanted to be here, [I] came here, did what [I] had to do night in and night out [and] stuck with it through good times and bad times,” said Anthony, who spent seven seasons with the Knicks. “I had hopes and dreams of winning a championship here. I have always been part of this culture. Playing with the Knicks is deeper than basketball when it comes to me and the city.”
Courtney Lee added 20 as six Knicks scored in double figures. The win was the team’s first in five tries without Kristaps Porzingis, who was sidelined with a knee injury.
Reigning MVP Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, who were coming off a triple overtime victory over the Philadelphia 76ers Friday night.
“I think the guys just, they were ready for tonight’s game,” said Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek. “And we caught them after a triple-overtime game so that probably helped us too, but our guys played hard all night which probably wore them down.”
The Knicks visit the Charlotte Hornets on Monday and will return home for their showdown against Kyrie Irving and the Atlantic Division leading Boston Celtics on Thursday.
(Eagle News Service)