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Knicks cool off Heat to confirm arrival as contender

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-02-28 17:54

Miami Heat's LeBron James (L) fouls New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony during first quarter NBA basketball action in Miami, Florida Feb 27, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

MIAMI, Feb 27- The revamped New York Knicks announced their arrival as an Eastern Conference force with a thrilling 91-86 triumph over the Miami Heat on Sunday, in a matchup between two All Star-laden teams.

Still buzzing from a blockbuster trade for Carmelo Anthony that teamed the high-scoring forward alongside Amare Stoudemire last week, the Knicks stole the show from Miami's "Big Three" with a late rally.

Anthony shined with a game-high 29 points and newly acquired point guard Chauncey Billups made a go-ahead three-pointer with a minute left to give New York (30-27) two wins in three games since the trade.

LeBron James scored 27 points but missed a potential game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds as Miami (43-17) lost for the second time in three games despite leading the Knicks for most of the contest.