The New York Knicks (5-6) defeated the New Orleans Pelicans (1-9) 95-87 on Sunday.
The Pelicans got back superstar forward Anthony Davis after a two-game absence due to a hip injury, and he certainly did not disappoint, Davis posted his second-highest scoring total of the season with 36 points, and added 11 rebounds, an assist, four blocks, and a steal in an impressive double-double. The All-Star forward's valiant effort was for naught however, as his teammates were unable to lend much in the way of offensive support.
Eric Gordon was the only other Pelicans starter to tally double-digit scoring with 11 points. Alonzo Gee flopped in a start at small forward with only two points over 26 minutes. Omer Asik was held scoreless in 13 minutes on the court, while Jrue Holiday pitched in seven points, four assists, three rebounds, and a steal in his season-high 25 minutes of playing time. Holiday continues to be brought along slowly in his return from last season's leg injury. The steady Ryan Anderson–the only other Pelican to have some success offensively–contributed 16 points and five rebounds off the bench.
The Pelicans dropped to 1-9 and remain in last place in the Western Conference's Southwest Division. They head home for a date with the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday.
Not to be outdone by Davis, Carmelo Anthony led the charge for a resurgent Knicks squad with a double-double of his own. Anthony totaled 29 points,13 rebounds, three assists, and a steal over 39 minutes. The All-Star posted solid 53 percent shooting from the field (11-for-21), and both his scoring total and field goal accuracy represented his second-best totals in each category to date in the new season. Rookie Kristaps Porzingis pitched in 10 points and four rebounds in his first encounter with Davis, while Kevin Seraphin (12 points) and Langston Galloway (15 points) had strong efforts off the bench.
The Knicks improved to 5-6 and reside in third place in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division. They remain home for a Tuesday date with the Charlotte Hornets.
