5. Clutch Against Chicago
You won’t find many performances more chilling than Carmelo Anthony’s late-game heroics against the Chicago Bulls on April 8, 2012. It was the pinnacle of his career as a clutch performer, and created one of the greatest environments in the history of Madison Square Garden.
Highlighted by Mike Breen’s immortal call of, “BANG,” Anthony gave Knicks fans a memory to cherish for the rest of their lives.
With 11.2 seconds remaining in regulation, and the Knicks down 91-88, Anthony struck with a gutsy 3-point bomb. Taj Gibson contested the shot, but it was to no avail, as Anthony found the bottom of the net and set Madison Square Garden ablaze.
And he wasn’t even done yet.
Fast forward to overtime, where New York now trails 99-97. Carmelo Anthony misses an attempt to tie the game, but the New York Knicks relentlessly attacks the offensive glass, creating four second-chance scoring opportunities.
With 8.2 seconds on the clock, Anthony calmly pulled up for a contested 3, released it over Luol Deng, and buried it home. Bang.
Anthony finished with 43 points, a 100-99 Knicks victory, and the city of New York in the palm of his hand.
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