Carmelo To the Rescue

Not too long ago, Carmelo Anthony was the number one worry for most Knicks fans.  He was on his way back from an injury, and the Knicks were playing great while he was out.  I blogged two months ago  about how pathetic Knicks fans were that said he was going to "ruin the team".  I can proudly say I have been a supporter of Carmelo Anthony since day one.  Even as fans questioned if he was a "superstar", and analysts began to say he is too selfish.

The Knicks found themselves almost out of the playoff picture.  Amare Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin were both out for an extended time, so who do you look to? Carmelo Anthony.

It seems crazy to say but the last eleven games have had a must win feel to it. The end of the season is right around the corner now, but looking back the Knicks needed these games badly.  In these huge games Carmelo has scored at least 30 points in seven of the eleven games.  He is also averaging over 30 points per game in the same span. Listed below are some of the biggest games of the season for the Knicks.  With a playoff bid up for grabs, and the Knicks relying heavily on Carmelo, lets see how he did.

April 8th Bulls @ Knicks - 43 Points, 7 Rebounds, 3 Assists. He hit the game tying three with 11.2 seconds left in regulation. Then hit a game winning three with 8.2 seconds left in Overtime (pictured above,Melo said it was one of the biggest shots of his career). This was a huge statement win for the Knicks. Knicks win 100-99.

April 11th Knicks @ Bucks - 32 Points, 10 Rebounds, 2 Assists. Against the team who was right behind them trying to take their spot in the playoffs Melo came up with a huge double double. Knicks win 111-107.

April 15th Heat @ Knicks - 42 Points, 9 Rebounds, 5 Assists. This might be the first round matchup for the Knicks and they played ok, but it wasn't enough.  Hopefully hanging tight with Miami will give them confidence. Knicks lose 93-85.

April 17th Celtics @ Knicks - 35 Points, 12 Rebounds, 10 Assists, 2 Steals. Yes a triple double, in a game the Knicks had to win to keep hopes of winning a division alive. Knicks win 118-110.

April 18th Knicks @ Nets - 33 Points, 7 Rebounds, 4 Assists. Melo couldn't be stopped early scoring 18 points in the first 6 minutes of the game.  If he wasn't double teamed every possession after that scoring burst he could have scored 50. Knicks win 104-95.

These were some of the biggest games for the Knicks here at the end of the season.  Carmelo Anthony is the biggest reason why the Knicks have won eleven of the past fourteen games.  He is stepping his defensive game up big time, and is also showing great leadership.

With the Knicks getting a low seed in this years playoffs they seem to be peaking at the right time.  Melo is completely healthy something that wasn't the case earlier in the season.

I just find it so funny that guys are now going back to the comments said before, saying how dangerous Melo is.  Charles Barkley was quoted after the Celtics game saying he is the best scorer in the league.  I also think it's funny how the same fans that said Melo would ruin the team, are the same people that will be rooting for him now in the playoffs to hit clutch shot after clutch shot.  And if I had to put my money on it, I'll bet it's going in.