Hoops Habit
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New York Knicks: Encouraging Signs from Win Over Cavs

By Maxwell Ogden

Oct 30, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts beside Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts beside Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) celebrates with guard J.R. Smith (8) in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) celebrates with guard J.R. Smith (8) in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

The stage was set for the Cleveland Cavaliers to secure a blowout win at the Quicken Loans Arena. It was LeBron James‘ first game back in Cleveland, with fellow All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love prepared for monster evenings.

That didn’t happen.

The New York Knicks, fresh off of being blown out 104-80 at home by the Chicago Bulls, played spoiler in James’ return to Cleveland. Carmelo Anthony led the charge with 25 points and six assists, while LeBron shot just 5-of-15 from the field with eight turnovers.

The end result was a 95-90 Knicks victory.

Improving to 1-1 hardly paints a picture of optimism in New York City, but it was an important win. The Knicks were blown out in Derek Fisher‘s first game as head coach, and rather than cracking under the pressure in Cleveland, the team rose to the occasion.

The question is, what can be taken away from the win as encouraging signs for the future?