Carmelo Anthony, Tim Hardaway Jr inspire New York Knicks to victory

Carmelo Anthony and Tim Hardaway Jr combined for 58 points on Thursday night to help the New York Knicks to a comfortable triumph over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden.

Both players scored 29 points as the Knicks took advantage of a below-par Cleveland display to record a 117-85 win in front of their home supporters.

Anthony, who passed 10,000 career points in the victory, scored 18 of his 29 points in the first quarter to hand the hosts a fast start and Cleveland struggled to get back into the game.

Despite an improved display in the third quarter, the Cavaliers were unable to force the Knicks into a difficult position after trailing by 24 at half time.

Kyrie Irving topped the scoring charts for the visitors with 24 points.