NBA London Live : Detroit Pistons v New York Knicks - in pictures

Though the London O2 Arena has been staging NBA games since 2007, the previous games were exhibition matches whereas Thursday night's game is a regular season match. A bumper crowd of 20,000 was expected at the Arena Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

There's even entertainment on hand for the fans before they get inside the arena. A trick player balances a ball on the end of a pencil in his mouth - impressive Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Amongst the fans in the arena is Chelsea defender David Luiz ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Former and current Arsenal players Bacary Sagna, left, Ashley Cole, centre and Thierry Henry ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

As well as Everton's American goalkeeper Tim Howard with team-mate Sylvain Distin as well as Spurs player Clint Dempsey Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

In the front row looking resplendent in striped trousers is Lala Anthony, wife of the Knicks' star player Carmelo Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

In an effort not to be outdone in the front row sartorial stakes, Knicks fan Spike Lee has donned some natty bright orange socks Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The players enter the court with JR Smith leading out the Knicks Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Carmelo Anthony looks apprehensive as he waits for his name to be called as the Knicks starting line up is introduced to the crowd Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The New York team huddle before tip-off Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The game gets underway and the Knicks are the more dominant side in the early exchanges, here Carmelo Anthony offloads a pass near the basket Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

In the second quarter Tyson Chandler is taken down hard by Austin Daye as he goes up for a dunk and the officials review it to see if it's flagrant. It is, so it's two free throws to Chandler and possession to the Knicks Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

It was a bad foul so it's no wonder Knicks head coach Mike Woodson complains to a referee Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Carmelo Anthony drives to the basket past Kyle Singler Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Someone else who's complaining to the officials is Spike Lee Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Amar'e Stoudemire prepares to take a free throw. The Knicks go in at half-time 56-41 ahead after dominating the first half despite nine turnovers, getting some of those back with five steals and 42% of their points having come from behind the three point line Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The Detroit cheerleaders do their thang Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

The Knicks again have the Pistons on the back foot in the third quarter, here Anthony protects the ball from Kyle Singler Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Amar'e Stoudemire drives towards the basket but is stopped by Andre Drummond Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

With New York running away with the game in the fourth quarter it's no wonder Detroit forward Tayshaun Prince, centre, looks dejected as he sits on the bench, deep in thought. Final score: New York Knicks 102 - 87 Detroit Pistons Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian