Carmelo Anthony stars as New York Knicks cruise past Los Angeles Lakers

The lowly New York Knicks won their fifth NBA game in seven outings with a 14-point triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday afternoon.

In a battle between two floundering giants, All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony was the game's top scorer with 31 points, including 18 in the third quarter to help the Knicks pull away at Madison Square Garden.

It ended 94-80 in the Knicks' favour as they handed fellow strugglers LA their 10th defeat in 11 matches.

Carlos Boozer was pick of the visiting players, notching a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds.