WASHINGTON (AP) Carmelo Anthony scored 37 points and the New York Knicks ruined Washington’s home opener, beating the Wizards 117-110 on Saturday night.
Anthony hit a jumper with 1:35 to play to give New York a 108-106 lead. Langston Galloway added a 3-pointer with 1:03 left to make it 111-106.
With the Wizards trailing 111-110 with 21.5 seconds to play, Galloway was able to call a timeout in front of his bench with Otto Porter grappling with him for the ball.
Anthony added two free throws with 20.4 seconds to play for a 113-110 lead.
Washington failed to start a season 3-0 for the first time since 2005-06.
Bradley Beal had 22 of his 26 points in the second half for Washington, while John Wall added 25.
The Knicks (2-1) won their second road game of the season. They won a total of seven road games last season.
Anthony missed his first two field goal attempts - then hit eight straight, including four 3-pointers - before his next miss.
After his first 3-pointer, he trotted over to Washington owner Ted Leonsis, who was seated near his team’s bench, and the two bumped fists.
The game was physical, featuring 62 fouls and three technicals.
MOURNING SAUNDERS: Wizards coach Randy Wittman was not on hand for the start of the game because he was attending the memorial service for longtime NBA coach Flip Saunders in Minnesota.
Wittman returned for the start of the second quarter.
Saunders and Wittman worked together for both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington. Wittman succeeded Saunders when he was fired by the Wizards in January 2012.
Assistant coaches Don Newman and Don Zierden coached Washington at the game’s start.
A moment of silence for Saunders was observed before the game.
FREDETTE A KNICK?: The Westchester Knicks made Jimmer Fredette the second pick in Saturday’s D-League draft. Fredette, who was released by San Antonio, has averaged 6.1 points per game in three seasons with Sacramento, Chicago and New Orleans.
New York coach Derek Fisher, who played against Fredette, seemed intrigued by him.
“I’m happy for Jimmer that he’s going to get an opportunity within our organization. Even with our D-League team, we’re trying to establish a certain way of doing things, so we want all guys to feel valued and appreciated. When we get back to New York, hopefully we’ll get a chance to get to know him a little bit more,” Fisher said.
UP NEXT:
Knicks: Host San Antonio on Monday
Wizards: Host San Antonio on Wednesday
