Knicks vs. Bucks: Postgame Grades and Analysis

Oct 17, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks forward

(7) watches game action during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Knicks 97-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Small Forward: Carmelo Anthony

Overall Grade: C

Minutes Played: 28

+/-: +5

Stat Line: 11 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, 1 BLK, 1 STL, 4/16 FG, 1/5 3PT, 2/2 FT

For the New York Knicks, the 2015-16 NBA regular season depends almost entirely upon how well Carmelo Anthony plays. Moreover, it depends on his maintaining good health—something it could not do in 2014-15.

Against the Milwaukee Bucks, Anthony didn’t do much—nor did he have to.

With the second unit dominating the game, Anthony spent a large portion of the evening on the bench. This wasn’t a result of his poor play, but instead a sign that the reserves had taken over.

The true reason Anthony’s grade isn’t as low as his field goal percentage is a surprising one: he took on the role of a facilitator.

Anthony was looking to pass from the opening tip, finding Robin Lopez with a crisp assist on the very first possession. That set the tone for his game, shooting mostly in rhythm and facilitating before all else.

It was a welcome sight from a player who has often been criticized for being selfish offensively.

Next: Power Forward