Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks 2/22/15: Video Highlights and Recap

Life without Carmelo Anthony continued on Sunday as the New York Knicks took on the Cleveland Cavaliers.  

The Cavs entered having won eight of their last 10 games and looking like the title contenders many thought they would be at the start of the season.

While Knicks fans have become accustomed to seeing LeBron James put on a show when he visits Madison Square Garden, James' services weren't really needed after Cleveland jumped out to a 36-17 lead after one. The game was never in doubt, and the Cavs won easily, 101-83.

The bigger storyline than the contest itself was the return of former Knicks J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert to New York City for the first time since an early January deal sent them packing.

The duo electrified the crowd when they combined for an alley-oop that had Knicks fans longing for the good old days. Smith finished with 17 points, including three from downtown, while Shumpert tied James with a game-high seven dimes.

A couple of superstars reached milestones on Sunday, most notably James, who passed Allen Iverson for No. 22 on the all-time scoring list. Kevin Love also pulled down his 5,000th career rebound.

James and Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 18 apiece. Six players reached double figures for the Knicks, but Langston Galloway was the high scorer with just 13.

Love recorded a double-double with 16 points and 16 boards.

Cleveland improved to 35-22, and New York continues its free fall with a league-worst 10-45 record.

Watch the video for full highlights.