Knicks vs Hawks: Postgame Grades and Analysis

Oct 29, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward

(7) drives to the basket defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Small Forward: Carmelo Anthony

Overall Grade: C+

Minutes Played: 32

+/-: -18

Stat Line: 25 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL, 10/27 FG, 0/7 3PT, 5/5 FT

Understandably, Carmelo Anthony hasn’t found his legs just yet. He’s coming off of a major knee surgery, which is the primary reason for his early-season woes as a shooter and all-around scorer.

Here’s the thing: Anthony’s struggles don’t make sense.

According to NBA.com, Anthony was 9-of-19 on contested field goal attempts against the Atlanta Hawks—good for an efficient mark of 47.4 percent. On uncontested shots, however, he converted just 1-of-8 attempts.

If you’re confused, you should be.

It’s generally more mental than physical when a player is missing wide open looks, and that’s exactly what Anthony has been doing through two games. Specifically against Atlanta, he botched layups and bricked open jumpers.

Fortunately, he’s one of the greatest scorers in NBA history; history says this is nothing to worry about.

Next: Power Forward