New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony saves the day with game winner vs. Sixers (Highlights)
Feb 25, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) battles Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) for the ball during first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony prevented disaster on Saturday night with a game winner against the Sixers. 

  • New York Knicks 110 (24-35)
  • Philadelphia 76ers 109 (22-36)
  • NBA, Final, Box Score
  • Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony is either the hero or the bad guy after a Knicks game. More often than not in 2016-17 he’s been the latter, but tonight wasn’t one of those nights.

Anthony scored 21 points in the first half on 8 of 12 shooting and didn’t slow down. The ten-time All-Star drained a game-winning jumper to beat the Philadelphia 76ers, fending off a disastrous collapse in a must-win game.

Anthony caught the ball with five seconds remaining and drained one of many mid-range jumpers on the night despite excellent defense from Robert Covington.

The Sixers were down 17 points in the third quarter before going on a tremendous 18-5 run during the fourth and taking a one-point lead on a hook shot from Jahlil Okafor. The much-maligned big man led Philly with 28 points.

Anthony sealed the game on the next play and finished with 37 points on 15 of 25 shooting.

Key Stat

The Knicks held the Sixers to 7 of 31 on three-point attempts. Defending the three-point line has been one of their greatest areas of concern this season.

Key Player

Other than Anthony, Willy Hernangomez is the only Knick that inspired much confidence on Saturday. The rookie was one rebound away from a double-double with 11 points and 9 rebounds in 23 minutes.

Up Next: The Knicks host Kyle Lowry and the Toronto Raptors on Monday, Feb. 27, at 7:00 p.m. ET.