Carmelo Anthony's Limitations Hurt New York Knicks Late in Toronto
Nov 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) defends during the third quarter in a game Knicks at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 118-107. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

In the New York Knicks 118-107 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night, Carmelo Anthony‘s star limitations hurt the squad late.

  • New York Knicks 107 (3-6)
  • Toronto Raptors 118 (7-2)
  • NBA, Final, Box Score
  • Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Canada
It was a hard fought game in Toronto on Saturday night. Every time the Raptors jabbed, the New York Knicks punched back. Every dip was met with another move.

In the end, New York’s play wasn’t good enough to keep up with one of the East’s very best. The largest lead of the game, by either team, came late in the fourth quarter when the Raptors went ahead by seven. The final score of 118-107 eventually turned into the largest lead by either squad.

The absolute key possession came with just over four minutes to go in the contest. After Derrick Rose tied the game on a cut down the lane, the Knicks captain couldn’t get it done on the defensive end of the floor.

Carmelo Anthony‘s man, Norman Powell, took a baseline action route to the weak corner and Melo paid very little attention to him. The reason for this was due to the NBA’s leading scorer, DeMar DeRozan, currently in possession of the ball and help might have been needed.

However, the result was disastrous. Melo closed hard on Powell and couldn’t even come close to containing the baseline drive:

To make matters worse, young Kristaps Porzingis also didn’t do his job defensively. He needed to stop Powell’s momentum once he beat Melo red-handed.

From that point on, the Knicks could never get back in front. The following possession featured an Anthony missed three and the rest was history.

Obviously, this single possession isn’t the only reason the Knickerbockers failed in Toronto. Never can an NBA game be boiled to one solitary moment.

It’s extremely disheartening, though.

New York scratched, clawed, and fought their way to a tie ballgame, and when that one phenomenal defensive effort was needed to provide the Knicks a chance at the lead, Melo and KP failed to get the job done.

If we’re being completely honest, Melo cannot keep up with the quicker small forwards in the league anymore. It’s a cruel reality this team must face.

Anthony finished with 31 points on 10-of-21 from the floor. Offensively, the Knicks star was terrific (four assists, six rebounds). Derrick Rose and Kristaps Porzingis were each close behind with 21 points.

For Toronto, DeRozan led the way with 33 points.

The Knicks fall to 3-6 on the season and will take Sunday off before returning to Madison Square Garden to host the Dallas Mavericks.

 NEXT: Noah Sends Correct Message Following Loss 

 

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Robby Sabo
https://jetsxfactor.com
Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com

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