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New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony’s Top 5 Games In NY

By Quenton Narcisse

Nov 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) looks on as Magic forward Tobias Harris (not pictured) pushed New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) into forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during a three point shot during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) looks on as Magic forward Tobias Harris (not pictured) pushed New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) into forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during a three point shot during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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MELO PULLS OUT A MIRACLE ON EASTER SUNDAY – APRIL 8 2012

Carmelo Anthony’s 62-point game was special, but when people talk about the most memorable Knicks games of the past decade, this might top the list.

New York was 28-27 and sitting in the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks needed a statement win, and they were facing a top-seeded Chicago Bulls team that featured 2011 MVP Derrick Rose and a supporting cast primed for a deep playoff run.

To start the game, New York looked like title contenders. ‘Melo hit his first five shots, and looked as energetic as I’ve seen him in a Knicks uniform. Strong defense transitioned into quality baskets on offense. At one point, the Knicks were leading 27-6. Chicago would eventually close the gap to 8 at halftime, but Carmelo finished with 22 points on 8-13 shooting.

In the second half, the Bulls mounted a comeback. Rose scored 14 points in the third quarter, including three 3-pointers. Chicago grabbed the lead in the final minute of the period, and eventually pushed their lead to 9 after a Rose four-point play with 5:46 left in the fourth quarter.

Down 10 with 3:45 to go, New York had its back against the proverbial wall.

And then a miracle happened.

Chicago wouldn’t score again in regulation as the Knicks rang off 10 unanswered points, seven of them from Anthony including a 30-foot 3-point bomb to tie the game with 11.2 seconds to go.

In overtime, Rose and Anthony battled to the nail back and forth with insane (read: insane) shots, but it was a Rose mishap that led to Anthony putting the stake in Chicago’s heart.

After J.R. Smith stole the ball from Rose with 45 seconds left, the Knicks got possession. After two misses by Anthony, a missed 3-point attempt by Smith and multiple offensive rebounds by Tyson Chandler, ‘Melo had the ball with 15 seconds.

Guarded by Luol Deng, he dribbled slowly to the right side of the court, and pulled up quickly from 30 feet out.

The rest is history.

Anthony finished with 43 points on 16-of-31 shooting and seven rebounds.

This game had everything. It was a blowout, then an invigorating nail-biter. Scoring from the superstars. Rose circus shots and four point plays. Anthony’s house-money 3-pointers and late-game heroics.

There were inexplicable mishaps (Rose and Deng both missing two free throws apiece to seal the game in regulation?), questionable coaching decisions and referee calls. It was the most beautiful, ugly, intense and entertaining non-playoff Knicks game that I can remember.

It was Anthony who shined in New York’s bright lights and it remains his magnum opus. This game was exhilarating and competitive, independent of ‘Melo’s feats. There was more at stake for the Knicks as a whole, especially against a superior team and Anthony delivered when it counted.

Next: Knicks Survive for First Playoff Win Since 2001