NBA

Knicks beat Nets in final prep for season opener Sunday

Carmelo Anthony had 21 points and eight rebounds, and the Knicks tuned up for the NBA season opener by beating the Nets 88-82 on Wednesday night.

Amare Stoudemire scored 15 points, and Tyson Chandler added eight points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks, who host the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon in the first game of the 2011-12 season.

Point guard Toney Douglas finished with 13 points in the first NBA game at Madison Square Garden since renovations began on the arena. He got additional time after his backup, Mike Bibby, sat out the second half with back spasms.

Deron Williams scored 21 points and Brook Lopez had 15, though 11 came against Knicks reserves in the fourth quarter. New York completed a sweep of the two-game series after winning at New Jersey on Saturday.