New York Knicks: Players Who Stepped Up Against The Toronto Raptors

Nov 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) defends during the third quarter in a game Knicks at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 118-107. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) defends during the third quarter in a game Knicks at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 118-107. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony was ejected from Friday’s 115-87 loss to the Boston Celtics after picking up two technical fouls in just 12 minutes. It was a questionable showing by referee Tony Brothers, but it was also motivation for Anthony to bounce back strong the following evening.

A rested Anthony did just that against the Toronto Raptors as he capitalized on the absence of DeMarre Carroll, who was sidelined for rest.

Anthony finished with 31 points, six rebounds, and four assists in 38 minutes of high-quality and high-energy play. He shot 10-of-21 from the field, 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, and 8-of-9 from the free throw line.

Anthony recorded a +/- of -4 and helped pace the Knicks through a game that featured a significantly better effort than what was displayed against Boston.

Anthony took over in the first half, which is something that the Knicks may need him to do more often. He doesn’t need to score 20 points in a half in order for New York to win, but he will be required to heat up when the offense stalls.

Anthony appears to be shooting with confidence and attacking with aggressiveness, which are two vital traits for his game.