New York Knicks: 20 greatest performances at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 24: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks acknowledges the crowd as he leaves a game against the Charlotte Bobcats after scoring his team record 62nd point at Madison Square Garden on January 24, 2014 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Bobcats 125-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

7 of 20

New Orleans Pelicans Anthony Davis (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

14. Anthony Davis, 48 points and 17 rebounds: Jan. 14, 2018

The freshest of the 20 greatest performances at Madison Square Garden, Anthony Davis took over against the Knicks on Jan. 14, 2018. He propelled the New Orleans Pelicans with 48 points and 17 rebounds to a 123-118 win in overtime.

Davis poured on 48 points on an efficient 17-for-30 shooting and 12-for-15 from the charity stripe. Most of the damage happened in the second half, when the Pelicans were down by 19 at one point, with 16 third-quarter points to keep them afloat. Jrue Holiday also added 31 points and DeMarcus Cousins delivered 15 points and 15 rebounds.

New Orleans had to combat 20-plus point nights from Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jarrett Jack and a double-double from Enes Kanter.

This comeback performance may have been Davis’ “superstar” showing. While dominant over his first five NBA seasons, he never walked into MSG or another spotlighted game to light up the stat sheet, as the Pelicans have struggled to make the postseason in his time with the team. So while the 2012 No. 1 pick has star recognition around the league, he never had that landmark game.

At just 25 years old, this won’t be his last quality outcome at the Mecca. Maybe it happens in 2018-19 or some time beyond—and with another team—to reach or top 48 points.