New York Knicks: Who Stepped Up Against The Minnesota Timberwolves?

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony didn’t play well against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He struggled individually, stalled ball movement, was underwhelming defensively, and couldn’t find water in an ocean—until the final minute.

Say what you will about the rest of the game, but Anthony hit the game-winning jump shot and made the game-saving defensive play.

Anthony finished with just 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, and three steals in what was truly an ugly showing. He shot 5-of-16 from the field, went 1-of-6 from 3-point range, and attempted just four free throws.

Worst of all, Anthony recorded a +/- of -17 as his ball-stopping performance truly hurt the Knicks—a wrong that he righted in the clutch.

Anthony needs to work on playing more within the flow of the offense, but his clutch heroics are tremendous. He’s made a game-winner in two of the Knicks’ past four games and stepped up on defense mere seconds later against Minnesota.

Anthony has shot just 16-of-60 from the field over the past three games, but if he learns to trust his teammates and continues being clutch, the Knicks will thrive.