National Basketball Association

Carmelo Anthony Will Rise To The Occasion

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Analysts have discredited Carmelo Anthony’s game for years, saying he’s incapable of leading the New York Knicks to the NBA finals. He’ll rise to the occasion.

Carmelo Anthony has always been a lethal scorer, dissecting the defense at will and making his presence known on the offensive end. He recently surpassed LeBron James for number one on the all-time Olympic scoring list for Team USA.

During the 2015-16 NBA regular season, Anthony averaged 21.8 points per game while shooting 43 percent from the field. He also averaged 7.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.9 steals, and 2.4 turnovers.

If he continues this scoring frenzy, Brandon Jennings provides a spark off the bench, and Joakim Noah continues to secure rebounds, play lockdown defense, and contribute offensively, the Knicks will be formidable contenders in the battle for an NBA championship.

Nobody can win a championship alone, but Carmelo Anthony has the help to rekindle lady liberty’s torch.

Jennings has been receiving pointers to upgrade his game from the Godfather of coaching: Phil Jackson.

Somebody said go focus with Phil. I was today at Workouts! ???????? pic.twitter.com/lVMRCHhtZb

— Brandon Jennings (@brandonjennings) September 16, 2016

Jennings’ devastating 2015 achilles injury hasn’t presented any setbacks for his intensive training in 2016.

Being the sixth man is a pivotal role for any professional organization. Jennings has a decent shot at Sixth Man of the Year if he works on his shot selection and finishing in the lane through traffic.

Given the turbulent climate with Derrick Rose, the Knicks may be at risk of losing his presence and production on the court.

Regardless of the outcome, the key to their success rests solely in the hands of Anthony.

Unstoppable.

The fate of the Knicks’ 2016-17 regular season is uncertain considering the previous season was a pitiful display for the city—an embarrassment for hardcore Knicks fans.

Carmelo Anthony will rise to the occasion because the fans’ faith has been resurrected. He meets the challenge when put to the test.

Optimism and a fully equipped roster create the potential for a third banner to be raised in the rafters.