Anthony & Billups shine in debut

The debut of the new Knicks roster.

Making their New York Knicks debut tonight, Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups were crucial components in the Knicks' 114-108 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Perhaps what was my favorite part of the game, was the ovation Melo and Billups received when their names were announced during introductions. Chants of "Mel-OH, Mel-OH, Mel-OH" and "Chaun-cey Bill-ups" were the deafening war cries of the Knicks fans, as they embraced their newly acquired stars, expecting big things and a win in a sold-out Madison Square Garden.

They didn't disappoint.

Anthony, who played 39 minutes, was 10-25 (1-2 from the 3PM, 6-7 from the FTM), including 10 rebounds while finishing with 27 points. In his 33 minutes, Billups was 4-12 (1-6 from the 3Pm, 12-12 from the FTM), scoring 21 points.

While the Knicks came away with the win, the Bucks did give the Knicks a run for their money, as it took two clutch Carmelo shots down the stretch during the final minutes to seal the win for New York. Also, one can't forget the efforts of Toney Douglas, the youngster who was completely overshadowed by the arrival of Anthony and Billups, who scored 23 points tonight, as well as hitting a trio of threes.

A great game and a great win for the Knicks. This is just the beginning.

Photo Credit: ESPN (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)