New York Knicks: Players Who Stepped Up Against Detroit Pistons

Nov 1, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks forward Kyle O'Quinn (9) high fives guard Brandon Jennings (3) and center Joakim Noah (13) during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks forward Kyle O'Quinn (9) high fives guard Brandon Jennings (3) and center Joakim Noah (13) during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 6
Nov 1, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) before the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) before the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Carmelo Anthony

The New York Knicks have a number of quality offensive players, but the system still depends on the success of Carmelo Anthony. Anthony, who ranks No. 29 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, is the Knicks’ go-to player when a bucket is needed.

During the road game against the Detroit Pistons, Anthony’s offense was one of the Knicks’ primary strengths.

Anthony went cold in the fourth quarter, but he still managed to score a team-high 24 points. He shot 8-of-18 from the field, 2-of-6 from beyond the arc, and 6-of-7 from the charity stripe in 35 minutes of action.

Anthony was also active on the defensive end of the floor, recording four steals—a mark that would normally imply that he had a great defensive game.

Having established this, Anthony was unable to contain his assignment: Marcus Morris. Morris went off for 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting, breaking down Anthony’s rather overzealous defense on a consistent basis.

Nevertheless, it was encouraging to see Anthony find his shot after he struggled to do so against the Memphis Grizzlies.