New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony had another rough night at Madison Square Garden. They’re starting to get to him.
New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony has endured a lot during a 2016-17 season. Between Phil Jackson using his ghostwriter to run the nine-time All-Star out of New York and the Garden fans booing him, it hasn’t been easy.
The best Knick since Patrick Ewing has been embarrassed by shockingly public trade rumors. It’s no surprise that it’s all starting to get to him.
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His 6-of-20 shooting night on Saturday against LeBron James‘ Cleveland Cavaliers was a low point. Anthony was booed by the home fans again as Jackson looked on.
After the game, Anthony told Ian Begley of ESPN New York that these tough times have been “testing [his] will.”
“I’m still keeping it [mellow], still keeping it cool, man. It definitely kind of tests you, can put you to the test,” Anthony said after the Knicks’ 111-104 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. “You have to dig deep within yourself to get through it on a day-to-day basis, figure out a way how to still go out there and play at a high level every night, play hard, lead this team.”
“That’s kind of where you have to dig deep at, despite of everything that’s going on, that’s surrounding — I don’t even want to say us — me. It’s testing me. It’s testing my will. It’s testing me as a human being. It also is making me stronger throughout this process.”
Anthony responded well to the trade rumors with a dominant January.
The 32-year-old had six 30-plus point games and posted averages of 25.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on a slash line of .469/.408/.766.
Per Begley, Anthony also commented on the influence of the infamous New York media. They haven’t been kind to him lately.
“I mean, you are what the back page [of local newspapers] says you are. Fans read that. And they react to that,” Anthony said. “I got to get in the gym. I’ve got to get in the gym tomorrow and work on my shot and they won’t boo me.”
Up Next: Anthony and the Knicks host the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. ET.
