In a potential first round NBA playoffs preview, the Miami Heat – led by Dwyane Wade and LeBron James – beat the New York Knicks in a Sunday matinee at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks led by four points with eight minutes remaining, as J.R. Smith knocked down a wide open three. Then the Heat went on an 18-6 run to end the game, dropping the Knicks to the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference standings.

Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks led all scorers with 42 points. He was 14-of-27 from the field and 12-of-15 from the free throw line. He also added nine rebounds and five assists. It still wasn't enough, as LeBron and Wade combined for 57 points on 42 shots.

Tyson Chandler appeared to have suffered a leg injury in the second half, but returned to the game.

The Knicks (31-29) remain two games ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot with six games remaining.

For more on the Knicks, be sure to check out our blog Posting and Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the latest updates and news.