The New York Knicks are beginning to find themselves. They’ve won five of their last six games, and their record now lies at 8-7. They are beginning to look like a legitimate playoff-caliber team. Their hot streak has been thanks to the rise of Kristaps Porzingis and the resurgence of Derrick Rose; however, Carmelo Anthony has been under the radar this entire season and has been key to the Knicks’ success.

Carmelo Anthony Has Been The Key To The Knicks Success

Carmelo is Key to Kristaps’ Success 

Porzingis has been phenomenal this year. He’s a better shooter from the outside, he’s finishing in the paint, playing off the dribble, and is also a presence on the defensive end of the floor; however, his offensive production isn’t all because of his skill set.

While Porzingis may very well be the focal point and the go-to man for the Knicks in the future, the face of the Knicks is still Anthony. His presence is what allows Porzingis to thrive. He attracts attention to himself due to his lethal scoring ability. Anthony can play out on the perimeter, finish in the paint, and he’s one of the premier post players in the NBA. His post ability is crucial to Porzingis’ game.

Anthony tends to play in the post quite often, and teams have figured that out by double-teaming him; however, when Anthony gets double teamed, Porzingis is left open out on the perimeter. Anthony is the draw for Porzingis; he attracts all the attention from opposing teams whether it’s on double teams or even in just defensive strategy. Anthony is key to Porzingis’ game. Despite being forgotten in a way, Anthony is having a great season himself.

Staying Melo

While Porzingis has taken the city of New York and Knick fans by storm, Anthony is having a great season. He’s averaging just over 23 points a game, and just over 6 rebounds a game. Anthony’s efficiency has been key to his hot start.

Carmelo’s Efficiency 

While Anthony has been scoring plenty early on this year, it’s his offensive efficiency that’s making his early start so special. Anthony is shooting a career high 52.4 percent from inside the arc, and is shooting 47 percent from the field, which is the highest he’s shot from the field since 2008. He is also shooting a career high 86.4 percent from the free throw line. Anthony’s playing time is something to highlight as well.

In years past, Anthony has been overworked in a way; he played too many minutes. So far, Anthony is playing a career low 33.8 minutes a game. He isn’t being overworked, and it’s been crucial to his success thus far.

Porzingis is having a breakout sophomore year; however, his success is generated greatly by Anthony’s presence. Anthony is one of the best scorers the NBA has ever seen, and because of that he attracts a lot of attention. He’s a post player, so when he gets doubled teamed, or when teams prioritize their defensive game to stop him, Porzingis benefits from getting open looks and less attention.

Main Photo