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

Nov 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Kyle O'Quinn (9) warms up prior to taking on the Portland Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Kyle O'Quinn (9) warms up prior to taking on the Portland Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) warms up before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) warms up before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony entered Friday’s game having struggled to generate offense in three consecutive games. Though he hit the game-winner on Wednesday, he’d shot a combined 16-of-60 from the field and 3-of-14 from beyond the arc over his previous three appearances.

Anthony responded by lighting up the scoreboard, including three 3-point field goals made in the first half alone.

Anthony made timely contributions with 29 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals in 34 minutes of high-quality play. He shot 9-of-20 from the field, 5-of-10 from 3-point range, and 6-of-6 from the free throw line.

Anthony’s +/- of +22 in a six-point win was a proper indication of the extraordinary leadership and contributions that he provided against the Timberwolves.

Anthony needed an efficient scoring performance after playing horribly over the course of three games. The fact that he bounced back against Minnesota is an encouraging sign for the future, especially when one considers the importance of his scoring to New York’s future.

The Knicks need Anthony to be his opportunistic best as a scorer and that’s exactly what he was against the Timberwolves on Friday.