New York Knicks: Positive Takeaways From Season Opener

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Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) moves the ball in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 117-88. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Carmelo Anthony’s Hot Start

The New York Knicks will need Carmelo Anthony to get back to being his high-scoring self in 2016-17. Though his production trailed off during the second half, Anthony began the season opener at an absolutely torrid pace.

Anthony finished with 19 points on 8-of-18 shooting from the field, but he made five of his first seven shots in an explosive first quarter.

Beyond the numbers is the manner in which Anthony was putting points on the board. He was absolutely relentless in his first quarter attack, taking his opponents off the bounce and pulling up from midrange with virtual ease.

No matter the degree of difficulty, Anthony looked like the star that he is—one who’s well on his way to 25,000 career points.

Anthony needs to be more willing to take it inside, but this was a solid start to the season. He’s unstoppable in the post, as he’s too strong for small forwards and too agile for power forwards to contain.

Nevertheless, the first half of the Cavaliers game was an encouraging enough display to believe that Anthony could have a bounce-back season in 2016-17.

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