Stars of the game
For the Knicks, Carmelo Anthony finished with a game-high 25 points and made a dagger of a field goal over LeBron James in the late going.
For the Cavs, Kyrie Irving scored a team-high 22 points.
VIDEO: LeBron James is welcomed back to the Q
How the game turned
The Knicks took the Cavs’ early punch and bounced off the canvas in the second quarter. Trailing, 44-42, at halftime, the Knicks took a 56-55 lead midway through the third quarter and never again trailed.
Quotable
‘It was exciting for the fans, exciting for the city, but we didn’t play great basketball.” – LeBron James, on the hype leading up to the game and what followed once the game was underway.
‘You can’t have 19 turnovers leading to 26 points for the other team.” – James, on the Cavs’ sloppy ball security.
‘We got static, no doubt.’ – Cavs coach David Blatt on his team’s play after a fast start.
Celebrity sightings
Music notables in the seats included Beyonce and Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber and Usher, who got a rousing ovation for his version of ‘The Star-spangled Banner.”
Actor-comedian Kevin Hart turned up in the stands and on TNT’s half-time show, where he was in rare form.
Movie director Spike Lee, a lifelong fan of the Knicks, secured a courtside seat.
Retired soccer great David Beckham, a big basketball fan who frequently attends NBA games in Los Angeles and New York City, made the trip to Cleveland.
Q tidbits
With a giant assist from The Q’s new, state-of-the-art scoreboard, aka ‘Humongotrom,” the production values of the pre-game ceremonies and player introductions were impressive.
Fans were asked to activate the red light sticks placed on every seat as the house lights were turned off moments before Usher began singing the national anthem.
After the Knicks starters were introduced, the arena again went dark for introductions of the Cavs.
The decibel level rose as each starter’s name was announced and reached its crescendo when James’ name was announced.
LeBron’s line
Minutes: 43:14
Points: 17
FGA-FGM: 5-15
3-pt FGA-FGM: 1-5
FTA-FGM: 6-7
Rebounds: Five
Assists: Four
Steals: 0
Turnovers: Eight
– David S. Glasier
