New York Knicks: What We Learned Against The Milwaukee Bucks

3. Carmelo Anthony Can Be An All-Around Player

In his first appearance since Jeff Hornacek publicly criticized the New York Knicks’ defense, Carmelo Anthony had his best game of the year. He committed to playing both ends of the floor and embraced the need to excel in multiple capacities.

Anthony and Hornacek consistently interacted on the sidelines and he turned that into a stellar showing that reminded fans of why he’s a star.

Anthony finished with 30 points, 11 rebounds, one offensive board, seven assists, and two steals in his best 37 minutes of the season. He shot 10-of-23 from the field, 4-of-10 from 3-point range, and 6-of-8 from the free throw line.

Anthony even went to war for loose balls, won a jump ball, and made a brilliant decision on a drive and dish to Kyle O’Quinn for a critical pair of points late in the fourth quarter.

Anthony reverted to his isolation tendencies for stretches of the fourth quarter, but he was a primary reason the Knicks held a lead at all. He did a whole lot of everything in a tough matchup against Giannis Antetokounmpo.

If Anthony has more games like this moving forward, the Knicks will right the ship and be a legitimate Eastern Conference contender.