New York Knicks Beat the Detroit Pistons at London’s 02 Arena

Carmelo Anthony holds off Tayshaun Prince as the New York Knicks win in London [Reuters]

Carmelo Anthony starred as the New York Knicks ran out comfortable winners over the Detroit Pistons at London's 02 Arena as they led throughout to claim a 102-87 victory.

Anthony, a member of the USA team that won gold at the London Olympics at the very same venue, ended the night with 26 points as the Knicks eased to victory to keep them top of the Eastern Conference with 25 wins from their 38 games.

Playing in front of a packed house at the 02, it seemed as though the win was never in doubt from the moment that the Knicks took an early lead in the first quarter thanks to the powerhouse pair of Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire.

Despite Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince claiming the opening two points of the game from the free-throw line, the Knicks quickly opened up a 14 point lead just minutes into the first quarter.

By the end of the opening period they led 29-17 as Tyson Chandler dominated the boards and helped the team from New York take complete control.

Chandler, also a member of the US Olympic team, would end the night with 11 defensive rebounds and three offensive ones that helped to set up the victory.

The Knicks stayed on top throughout the second quarter as they were cheered on by a number of celebrity fans who were in attendance.

Thierry Henry watches on as the Knicks beat the Pistons in London [Reuters]

A number of top Premier League players were in attendance with the likes of Chelsea's Ashley Cole and Ryan Betrand sitting courtside, as where former Arsenal legends Patrick Viera, Robert Pires and Thierry Henry.

At one point the lead stretched to 20 points but as the second quarter came to an end the Knicks led 56-41.

It was in the third quarter that the Pistons finally seemed to come alive as Will Bynum caught fire and dragged his side to within four points. However, that was as close as the team from Detroit got all night with the Knicks once again taking control in the latter stages

Stoudamire and Anthony continued to dominate the scoring and with some help from JR Smith, who ended the night with 16 points, they were able to once again press their advantage to take a 75-65 lead going into the final 12 minutes.

In the final quarter there was time for Bynum and Steve Novak to trade three pointers but it was the Knicks that eased to their 25^th win of the season as Anthony top the scoring charts with 26 points, while Stoudamire ended with 16 and four assists.

For the Pistons it was Bynum who attempted to keep them in the game with his 22 points but he could do little to silence the 18,689 fans who were largely in support of the Knicks.