Carmelo Anthony scored 29 points and Chauncey Billups came alive down the stretch as the New York Knicks battled back for a 91-86 victory over the host Miami Heat on Sunday night.

Billups scored five of his 16 points while adding two steals in the last three minutes as the Knicks improved to 2-1 since the trade with Denver.

Amar’e Stoudemire blocked a potential game-winning drive by LeBron James with 6.7 seconds left. After two free throws by Shawne Williams provided New York a three-point edge, James got an open look at a straight-away 3-pointer that clanked off the rim.

Anthony shot 10 of 22 and added nine rebounds in his much-anticipated showdown with James. The reigning MVP tallied 27 points on 10-of-20 shooting with seven rebounds and five assists.

Miami maintained a small edge throughout the fourth until Anthony drained two free throws, Billups hit a runner and followed by swishing a right-wing 3-pointer to give New York an 85-84 lead with 1:01 left.

Billups then stepped into the passing lane and stole a pass that resulted in two free throws by Williams. But James hit two freebies at the other end with 33.2 ticks left to pull Miami within 87-86. After Bill Walker turned it over, Stoudemire made his huge block.