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In the league's premier Thursday night game, the New York Knicks took down the Los Angeles Lakers in Madison Square Garden, 116-107, behind an epic first quarter from Carmelo Anthony, who scored 22 in the first frame and 30 total before leaving due to injury. The Knicks built a 20-plus point lead in the first half, but without Anthony let the Lakers back into the game. A late three-pointer by J.R. Smith sealed the win.
In other Thursday action, the Portland Trail Blazers beat the San Antonio Spurs, 98-90, and the Atlanta Hawks handled the Charlotte Bobcats, 113-90.
Most of the NBA was in action Friday night, including the hometown Philadelphia 76ers, who fell to the Indiana Pacers, 95-85, Friday night without Jrue Holiday. Elsewhere in the Atlantic Division, the Brooklyn Nets beat the Detroit Pistons in double-overtime on a Joe Johnson buzzer-beater and the Toronto Raptors, shockingly, blew out the Dallas Mavericks, 95-74. The Boston Celtics were dropped by the Houston Rockets on ESPN, 101-89.
Other scores from around the Association:
Orlando Magic 99, Golden State Warriors 85
Los Angeles Lakers 102, Washington Wizards 96
Milwaukee Bucks 90, Cleveland Cavaliers 86
Minnesota Timberwolves 113, New Orleans Hornets 102
Oklahoma City Thunder 113, Sacramento Kings 103
Phoenix Suns 99, Utah Jazz 84
Denver Nuggets 99, Memphis Grizzlies 94