Knicks avoid sweep, end playoffs drought against Miami

The New York Knicks avoided a sweep at the hands of the Miami Heat and ended an 11-year playoff drought by registering an 89-87 victory at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.

New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony celebrates after a three point shot late in the fourth quarter of the Knicks' win in Game 4 of their NBA Eastern Conference basketball playoff series against the Miami Heat in New York, May 6, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

The victory kept New York alive and narrowed Miami's lead in the best-of-seven NBA playoff series to 3-1.

Carmelo Anthony poured in 41 points and Amar'e Stoudemire, returning to action after cutting his left hand with a disgusted swing at a fire extinguisher case after their Game Two defeat, added 20 points for New York.

Red, white and blue streamers fell from the rafters of the Garden to celebrate New York's first playoff victory since April 2011 and end their NBA record string of postseason defeats at 13 in a row.

LeBron James led Miami with 27 points and Dwyane Wade, who missed a desperation three-pointer at the buzzer, scored 22 points.

Game Five of the first-round series returns to Miami on Wednesday.