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Melo cheered, then booed as Knicks spoil his return

 
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, left, attempts to steal the ball from Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith) TXES106
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, left, attempts to steal the ball from Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith) TXES106
Published Dec. 16, 2017

NEW YORK — Carmelo Anthony got the cheers but the Knicks got the win, shutting out their former All-Star in the second half and beating the Thunder 111-96 Saturday night for their fourth straight victory.

Michael Beasley tied his season high with 30 points in place of injured Kristaps Porzingis, and Doug McDermott, one of the players acquired for Anthony, added 11 of his 13 after halftime to help the Knicks break open the game.

Anthony scored 12 in the first half but was 0-for-5 after, perhaps low on energy after the Thunder's three-overtime victory Friday at Philadelphia.

He made a 3-pointer for the Thunder's first basket of the game after a warm welcome back to the arena where he spent 6½ years.

Russell Westbrook had 25, seven rebounds and seven assists for the Thunder.

Anthony received a pair of loud cheers during pregame introductions, before and at the end of a video tribute showing his highlights on the court and his charitable efforts off it that was played after the first four Thunder starters were announced. But the boos became more noticeable once play got under way, and soon they were coming every time he touched the ball.

Anthony was booed one last time as he was removed with 1.4 seconds remaining.

Game Highlights: LeBron James had 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his 60th career triple double and the host Cavaliers beat the Jazz 109-100. … James Harden scored 31 and Chris Paul had 25 in the host Rockets' 115-111 victory over the Bucks for their 13th straight victory. … CJ McCollum had 25 points, Damian Lillard had 18 and 11 assists, and the visiting Trail Blazers defeated the Hornets 93-91 for their third straight road victory. … Josh Richardson scored a career-high 28 to help the host Heat top the Clippers 90-85.

Wright's wife Arrested: Authorities said the ex-wife of former player Lorenzen Wright has been charged with first-degree murder in his death more than seven years ago. Police in Riverside County, Calif., arrested Sherra Wright on Friday on a fugitive from justice warrant, records show. Lorenzen Wright's body was found in suburban Memphis on July 28, 2010 — 10 days after the 34-year-old was reported missing. He was shot multiple times. Billy R. Turner was indicted on a first-degree murder charge Dec. 5. Police said last month they had found a gun used in the killing in a lake near Walnut, Miss., about 75 miles east of Memphis.