Despite the struggles for the 20-31 New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony is once again playing at an MVP-like level in keeping them in playoff contention.
Anthony and the Knicks stand tenth in the Eastern Conference after losing Sunday evening to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 112-100. Despite the loss, Anthony is having a great year averaging 27.1 points per game and around 8.6 rebounds a game.
The former Syracuse frosh phenom has done everything he can to help the Knickerbockers’ seeding in the weak Eastern Conference, but it seems as though Anthony is the only one that really wants to be in the playoffs.
Based on casual observation, it appears at times that players haven’t really been playing at the level that they’re expected to play at. They haven’t got into rhythm all season, which really has left Melo to shoulder the entire load, which really has left him empty in the fourth quarter where they need him, the most.
With a supporting cast of Tyson Chandler, Iman Shumpert and Raymond Felton, players such as Tim Hardaway Jr., Andrea Bargnani and J.R. Smith step up and not pass the ball to Anthony every possession.
One thing new York could do—rather than forcing Anthony to initiate the offense—is learn how to play better off the ball, and create their own shot, every once in a while. If they were to do this, than maybe they would win more games that are close in the fourth quarter.
Knicks owner, Larry Dolan needs to be more proactive and make some moves before the All-Star break to pair Anthony up with another superstar that would be beneficial to both Melo and the Knicks as a whole.