Knicks Preview: Keys to Defeating the Milwaukee Bucks

Nov 4, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts in the fourth quarter of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

1. Carmelo Anthony

For the fourth time this season, Carmelo Anthony struggled to score with any measure of efficiency. He shot just 6-of-18 from the field against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, thus failing to recreate the magic of his 37-point performance against the Washington Wizards.

Having scored 11 points in the first game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Anthony cannot afford to struggle again in the second go-round.

Next: Calm down! Carmelo Anthony will be just fine

It’s far too early to suggest that Anthony has lost his ability to score with either volume or efficiency. His performance against Washington may be just one of his five games thus far, but it was a testament to his capabilities.

The real issue for Anthony isn’t a decline in ability, but instead that he’s coming off of knee surgery and hasn’t yet found his legs.

That spells trouble for Anthony against Milwaukee. The Bucks will send out a trio of dynamic playmakers in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jabari Parker, and all three will be battling Anthony at some point in the game.

It won’t be easy, but if Anthony is the superstar we believe him to be, it’s games like this that he must shine in.