Melo struggles, Cavs beat Knicks

NEW YORK (AP) -- Kyrie Irving scored a season-high 37 points, including a layup with 10 seconds left after a timeout he didn't seem to want, and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the New York Knicks 90-87 on Thursday night for their season-high fifth straight victory.

Irving carried the Cavs most of the game before LeBron James had five straight points late that helped Cleveland pull it out. James finished with 19 points and 12 assists.

Carmelo Anthony ended a 4-for-19 night by missing a 3-pointer in the final seconds as the Knicks dropped their sixth straight and fell to 4-16.

Tim Hardaway Jr. added 20 points and Amare Stoudemire had 18 points and nine rebounds for the Knicks, who were trying to surprise the Cavs for the second time this season.

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