Facing off as Eastern Conference foes for the first time, longtime Denver Nuggets teammates Carmelo Anthony and Nene found themselves matched up against each other at the end of the first half of the Washington Wizards’ 108-87 loss to the New York Knicks on Friday night.

“I mean, at this time of the year, it’s still early in the season. I don’t think it’s no time for them to close the lid right now,” Anthony said of the Wizards. “Nene is a guy that’s not going to play until he’s completely healthy and when he’s healthy, you know what type of guy he is. And they’re missing John [Wall], too.”

The Wizards arrived in New York feeling better about themselves after recording their first victory in their previous game. Coach Randy Wittman hoped the confidence gained from that win, as well as the atmosphere of Madison Square Garden, would lead to an inspired performance from his team.

“Overall bad game for us,” rookie Bradley Beal said after scoring 14 points. “Our mental focus wasn’t there. It’s like they got what they wanted. They moving the ball, passing and swinging, hitting threes, getting layups when they wanted to. It’s just back to the drawing board.”