CLEVELAND, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- A key 3-pointer by Daniel Gibson and six straight free throws by J.J. Hickson in the final minute Friday lifted Cleveland to a 115-109 shocker over New York.
The enthusiasm created for the Knicks by the acquisition of Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups was dampened by a loss to the team that this month established the longest losing streak in NBA history.
Gibson's 3-pointer with 36 seconds to play gave the Cavaliers a five-point cushion and Hickson protected the lead with his perfect late performance at the foul line.
After losing their record 26th straight game, Cleveland has gone 3-2.
Antawn Jamison led Cleveland with 28 points and Hickson had 24. They combined for 28 rebounds.
Anthony scored 27 points in his second game since being traded to New York from Denver, but managed just two in the final period and fouled out in the closing minute.
Billups, meanwhile, had 20 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter and Amare Stoudemire had 31 points and 11 rebounds for the Knicks.
New York had a three-game winning streak snapped and now will face difficult challenges in Miami and Orlando.
