New York Knicks: Players Who Stood Out Against Cleveland Cavaliers

Carmelo Anthony

New York Knicks franchise player Carmelo Anthony started the season opener at a torrid pace. He made five of seven field goal attempts during the first quarter, sinking a number of long jumpers to keep the Knicks alive against a red-hot Cavaliers team.

Anthony’s hot start is an intriguing sign that the 2016-17 NBA regular season could be the bounce-back year that many are hoping Anthony will put forth.

Anthony finished the game with 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one 3-point field goal made in 30 minutes. He shot 8-of-18 from the field, 1-of-4 from 3-point range, and 2-of-2 from the free throw line.

The first half featured a vintage performance by Anthony, who showed the flashes of the dominant scoring proficiency that’s been missing the past two years.

Anthony was aggressive as both a scorer and facilitator, which is the necessary mindset for him to play with. He must display a sense of urgency from start to finish in 2016-17 if the Knicks are to stand a chance at making noise in the Eastern Conference.

It may have only been the season opener, but Anthony looked the part of a resurgent star against James and the Cavaliers.