LeBron James struggled as the New York Knicks spoiled his Cleveland homecoming on Thursday night.

James returned to his roots but Carmelo Anthony stole the spotlight by scoring 25 points to lift the Knicks to a 95-90 win in the Cavaliers' 2014-15 season opener.

"My turnovers, some of them were careless and some of them were chemistry," James said. "I'm throwing passes where I was hoping some of my teammates would be.

"That is what is great about this league. You can play as bad as I did tonight and then bounce back. It was a learning experience."

James' long anticipated return to his roots didn't go as hoped. He shot just five-of-15 and committed eight turnovers in his first game back in a Cavaliers' jersey after winning two NBA titles with the Miami Heat.

But the season is just getting started and James has plenty of time to adjust to his new teammates, including Kevin Love, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

James said the excitement of returning to his hometown got the best of him.

"It was a huge night," said James. "It was exciting for the fans, exciting for the city. Now we can just play regular basketball."

Love finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds in his first game with the Cavaliers while returning star Kyrie Irving led the way with 22 points and seven assists.

"I thought we came out with energy and we started well," Cavaliers coach David Blatt said. "We got stagnant, without question. We're good when we move the ball."

James finished with 17 points, five rebounds and four assists before a raucous crowd of 20,562 at Quicken Loans Arena.

Cleveland has just two wins in eight season-openers with James in the lineup.