Garden Party For King: LeBron Nets 33 Points As Cavs Control Knicks

November 7, 2009 8:10 a.m. EST

New York, NY (AHN) - LeBron James ruled Madison Square Garden Friday night, as the King scored 33 points, including 19 in the opening quarter, in powering the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 100-91 win over the New York Knicks.

James was terrific in helping the Cavs build a 19-point first quarter lead, which Cleveland stretched to 63-40 at the break.

When the King wasn't swishing, he was dishing, with terrific passes his teammates converted to easy baskets.

James finished just shy of a triple-double with nine assists and eight rebounds.

Mo Williams chipped in with 12 points and Daniel Gibson added 11 off the bench.

David Lee led the Knicks with 21 points, while Danilo Gallinari had four three-pointers and 17 points.

Larry Hughes, who had the misfortune of trying to guard James early on, racked up 18 points.

The Cavs improved to 4-3, while the Knicks dropped to 1-5.

Several of the World Series champion New York Yankees attended the game, including slugger A-Rod and pitcher CC Sabathia.