Carmelo Anthony scored 13 of his 34 points in the pivotal third quarter, then made the clinching free throws with 2.9 seconds left as the New York Knicks handed the Detroit Pistons a season-high fifth straight loss with an 89-85 victory on Tuesday night.

Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks looks on at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Al Bello, Getty Images)
loading...

Raymond Felton finished with 12 points and six assists in his return from injury for the Knicks, who came home from a 2-1 Texas swing and held on after blowing most of the 17-point lead they built while outscoring the Pistons 32-17 in the third quarter.

Andrea Bargnani had 13 points and 11 rebounds, helping the Knicks overcome the absence of an ill Tyson Chandler to beat the Pistons at Madison Square Garden for the eighth straight time.

Josh Smith had 21 points and 12 rebounds for Detroit, while Andre Drummond finished with 12 points and 17 boards.

(Copyright 2014 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM