Knicks at Pelicans final score: Carmelo Anthony drops 42, New York wins 98-91

Carmelo Anthony certainly likes playing in New Orleans, doesn’t he?

Anthony exploded for 42 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, leading the New York Knicks to a 98-91 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.

On Sunday night, Anthony scored 30 points on 10-of-18 shooting, grabbed five rebounds and dished out two assists, helping the Eastern Conference All-Stars defeat the Western Conference All-Stars 163-155 in the All-Star Game.

On Wednesday, Anthony shot 16-of-29 from the field and eight-of-12 from the free throw line while grabbing four rebounds, recording three steals, dishing out two assists and blocking two shots.

J.R. Smith poured in 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals while playing 40 minutes off of the bench while rookie Tim Hardaway, Jr. added 16 points.

There are three Knicks are heavily surrounded by trade rumors. Beno Udrih did not play in the game,  Iman Shumpert left with a knee sprain and Raymond Felton had five points on one-of-eight shooting.

The Pelicans have been trying to deal guard Eric Gordon and if Wednesday night was a showcase, things went well. Gordon had a team-high 28 points on nine-of-17 shooting.

Anthony Davis finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks.

The Knicks are now 21-33 and the Pelicans are 23-30.