Anthony missed a crucial free-throw that could have brought the Knicks within two points. However, Anthony said he had a bruised elbow that has been bothering him since the second quarter.
"I don't like to make any excuses, this was a game, regardless of how long we've been together, that we should have got," said Anthony, who had a gauze wrap on his elbow. "It comes down to everybody being on the same page defensively. We've only had four practices to get it together. No excuses."
Anthony would have 27 points in the game. Amare Stoudemire led the team with 31 points and eleven rebounds. Chauncey Billups had 26 points, including 20 in the fourth to try to bring the Knicks back. He also had eight assists.
Meanwhile, for the Cavs, Antwan Jamison led Cleveland with 28 points and 13 rebounds. J.J. Hickson had 24 points and 15 rebounds. Anthony Parker had 16 points while Ramon Sessions had 22, along with four assists.
The Knicks struggled defensively throughout the game.
"Defensively, we've got a long ways to go," Stoudemire said. "It takes time. It's training-camp mode again."
The Cavaliers destroyed New York in rebounding, having them out-rebounded by a 62-42 margin.
"They played harder," Stoudemire said. "They had a great amount of energy. We got outworked."
New York plays the Miami Heat next on Sunday.
