GP	MPG	FG%	RPG	APG	BLKPG	STPG	PFPG	PPG
January	        6	38.5	.461	8.0	4.2	0.5	1.8	3.3	25.3

Credit the Knicks’ surge to Anthony coming back from a sprained left ankle in Texas with new ideas he shared with players and coaching staff.
Anthony revealed he had an epiphany during his three-game injury absence, noticing some details on why the team was struggling. And it started playing out during the Knicks’ successful 2-1 Texas Triangle trip.
Anthony wouldn’t reveal everything he told Mike Woodson and the team, but said one message was they needed to play with more “patience’’ and needed to have a different philosophy late in games, that they can be the hero, too, and make the big shot.
Because teams are swarming him more than ever late in games, Anthony said he will be looking for his mates in those clutch times.
It’s no coincidence Iman Shumpert’s meteoric rise in Texas occurred just as Anthony returned. Shumpert said Melo’s prodding has worked and he shot 14 of 16 on 3-pointers in San Antonio and Houston, and won the game with two big late buckets in Dallas on Sunday.
Anthony is probably closer to Shumpert, in the middle of a season-long malaise, than anyone on the team.
“For everyone on the court, the thing is just be patient,’’ Anthony said. “When that time comes at the end of the game, a lot of things are open. Teams are double- and triple-teaming me. And I told them I’m going to find them. It’s up to you to make the shot, but I’m going to find you.’’
Anthony scored just 19 points in Dallas, but made the pass to a wide-open Shumpert for the game-sealing 3-point bucket with 1:13 left. In Houston, though they lost in the final seconds, Anthony made feeds to Beno Udrih for an open 3-pointer with 23 seconds left and dished to a hot Shumpert with 10 seconds left. Though the shots missed, it showed Anthony is serious.
Melo’s leadership was more evident during the trip as he exhorted teammates more than previously seen.
“When you’re searching, trying to find an identity or ways to win, that little stuff helps,’’ Anthony said. “Sometimes guys need to be guided, need to be directed.’’
Anthony said he also noticed the team was too easily frustrated when things went wrong.
“Patience,’’ Anthony said. “That’s one of the biggest things I’ve been talking about. Just be patient. For a lot of guys, it’s going to come to them. Just be patient.’’
The Knicks (11-22) return to face Detroit on Tuesday at the Garden, where they have fared worse than on the road. They better change the trend quick because 11 of the next 14 games are at MSG, including two against Miami. The Knicks own an embarrassing 4-12 Garden record, compared to 7-10 on the road.
Anthony said morbidly last month the team was in “a dark space.’’ No longer.
“I will say that we have gotten out of that place,’’ Anthony said. “You see guys doing things as a team we haven’t been doing all season long. It’s showing on the basketball court at both ends. Guys starting to communicate more, talk more and have fun. That’s the most important thing.’’
If the past six games showed anything, it’s how the Knicks roster is so reliant on Anthony being healthy. Last season, they were 7-8 in his absences. But when Anthony missed three straight games to close out 2013, the Knicks were hopeless — beaten by double digits in all three.
Anthony’s value in Texas didn’t hinge on his point total. His presence made everyone better. Shumpert was left open all night by the Spurs to drill 3-pointers and he darted in for that game-winning tip because the Spurs were mesmerized by Anthony holding the ball.
That’s why the timing of a report the Knicks were discussing internally whether to trade Anthony to the Clippers for Blake Griffin was laughable to team officials.
Anthony was thrilled to have just scored 19 in Dallas and still win handily, with 47 points from the bench — solid outings from Tim Hardaway Jr. and Amar’e Stoudemire and even from fourth-string point guard Tour’e Murry.
“If I could do that every night [score 19 and win], I’d be a happy camper,’’ Anthony said. “For our bench to come in and play the way we’ve been playing during stretch, it’s big-time for us. Now the starters can come back in and sustain the lead.’’
There have been false alarms, but victories in San Antonio and Dallas are stronger evidence of an upturn than back-to-back blowout wins against Eastern dregs Brooklyn and Orlando. And they may have starting point guard Raymond Felton back Tuesday night.
“I just think guys are starting to come together as a ballclub,’’ Woodson said. “I point to injuries as the major problem and us not being able to execute and close out games down the stretch. Six, seven games, if we done the right things, could’ve won those games. That’s behind us.’’
Anthony hopes he’s found a late-game formula — manufactured in Texas.

How good did it feel to see the return of the Melo-STAT PnR? Felton being aggressive on drive and kicks and all the guards looking good on D but also on offense moving the ball and taking better shots.
As Melo suggested the team is being more patient and moving the ball until they get the best shot. Melo is playing smarter. Going quicker and using less of the hold the ball ISO plays. Rather if he holds it now, he's looking for teammates. They're all trusting each other more.

Melo is taking his game to a new level. He wants to win now. As long as the teamates play and score at a high level Melo will trust them.

Bonn1997 wrote:

Knixkik wrote:He's always been a willing passer, guys are just making shots more right now.

An increase of 1.5 assists a game can't be attributed to that unless there's an unreliable gigantic increase in the teammates' shooting. To give it some perspective, about 2 weeks ago (when I last saw the #s) Melo had 6.8 assist opportunities per game (passes to someone shooting) and his teammates were hitting .425 FG%. So he had 2.9 assists a game. If his teammates had been hitting at the league average (closer to .445), he would have had only 0.1 more assists a game (1 more assist every ten games). Differences in teammate shooting percentages make a very small impact on assist totals, because the difference between an efficient and inefficient shooter is often only a few more made baskets per 100 attempts.

Bonn1997 wrote:

Knixkik wrote:He's always been a willing passer, guys are just making shots more right now.

An increase of 1.5 assists a game can't be attributed to that unless there's an unreliable gigantic increase in the teammates' shooting. To give it some perspective, about 2 weeks ago (when I last saw the #s) Melo had 6.8 assist opportunities per game (passes to someone shooting) and his teammates were hitting .425 FG%. So he had 2.9 assists a game. If his teammates had been hitting at the league average (closer to .445), he would have had only 0.1 more assists a game (1 more assist every ten games). Differences in teammate shooting percentages make a very small impact on assist totals, because the difference between an efficient and inefficient shooter is often only a few more made baskets per 100 attempts.

Knixkik wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:

Knixkik wrote:He's always been a willing passer, guys are just making shots more right now.

An increase of 1.5 assists a game can't be attributed to that unless there's an unreliable gigantic increase in the teammates' shooting. To give it some perspective, about 2 weeks ago (when I last saw the #s) Melo had 6.8 assist opportunities per game (passes to someone shooting) and his teammates were hitting .425 FG%. So he had 2.9 assists a game. If his teammates had been hitting at the league average (closer to .445), he would have had only 0.1 more assists a game (1 more assist every ten games). Differences in teammate shooting percentages make a very small impact on assist totals, because the difference between an efficient and inefficient shooter is often only a few more made baskets per 100 attempts.

Look at it like this. He always tries to get others involved early, but they don't make shots so he tries to do it himself the rest of the game. Now that guys are making shots, he is relying on them all game, he is trusting them. He is passing more because they are making shots more often, simple as that. He has always been a willing passer though.

I also have taken note of Melo's demeanor this year. He's adjusted to this situation in a great way. Rather than go in the tank and look to get out of here, which he could do, he bared down and worked harder. He looked for another way to play that could get his teammates involved and fix some of the problems they've had. Once again MELO took the initiative. This was him showing leadership and making the needed adjustments to help his teammates play better. IMO this guy has gotten bashed over the years and it's been sometimes deserved, but in this instance he needs to be given some credit for how he's handled this tough season and turned things around. I'm pulling for Melo to succeed and I hope this team can get to the playoffs and get to the 2nd rd again and let's see what happens. I like THIS NEW MELO much better and I think it could make a huge difference this time if he maintains this attitude.

GustavBahler wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:

Knixkik wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:

Knixkik wrote:He's always been a willing passer, guys are just making shots more right now.

An increase of 1.5 assists a game can't be attributed to that unless there's an unreliable gigantic increase in the teammates' shooting. To give it some perspective, about 2 weeks ago (when I last saw the #s) Melo had 6.8 assist opportunities per game (passes to someone shooting) and his teammates were hitting .425 FG%. So he had 2.9 assists a game. If his teammates had been hitting at the league average (closer to .445), he would have had only 0.1 more assists a game (1 more assist every ten games). Differences in teammate shooting percentages make a very small impact on assist totals, because the difference between an efficient and inefficient shooter is often only a few more made baskets per 100 attempts.

Look at it like this. He always tries to get others involved early, but they don't make shots so he tries to do it himself the rest of the game. Now that guys are making shots, he is relying on them all game, he is trusting them. He is passing more because they are making shots more often, simple as that. He has always been a willing passer though.

Yeah, I was going along with your comment that he is passing more.
I think what you label as a "willing passer" I label as "unjustifiable distrust of teammates." If his teammates are hitting so close to the league average (only off by 1 or 2 shots out of 100), he should have all the faith necessary that getting them open shots is a good idea. And just based on basic stats, that faith can't fluctuate on a quarter by quarter or even game by game basis.

Melo was right to distrust Shumpert, he was posting career lows, Felton was playing like caca before he went down, now he has almost doubled his assists this month. Stat's FG pct has gone up dramatically as well as his production and minutes, and now Melo is looking for him more. These aren't guys at the end of the bench.

As Ive said many times, sometimes he gives up on his teammates too soon, but frankly sometimes they aren't showing that they're a better option than he is, especially if they're standing around like statues. Its a combination of both.

nixluva wrote:I actually think it's more than guys just making or not making shots. I actually can't understand how so often it's overlooked how important it is not just that you get shots, but HOW you get into those shots. The change Melo made was HUGE!!! Now the way they have been playing MORE of their shots are coming off good ball movement and guys are taking MORE shots in rhythm, wide open and when they expect it rather than having the ball come at random when they aren't really ready for it and are off balance.

The patience Melo was preaching to his teammates was really about getting the shot they want rather than a rushed or wild shot or even a shot that is open but not the one they want to take. The looks they've been getting now are much better and players are RELAXED and LOOSE rather than agitated and tight. They're actually moving the defense around and taking relaxed jumpers that they can make.

Look at how Shump is shooting now and it's much more fluid. His wrist and body look loose and it's not a heave. Everyone looks like that now. It's improved the chemistry on the floor. This is not just a case of guys hitting shots and that's it. The entire approach is improved. The spacing is better. They're running plays with a sense of purpose, whereas before they were often standing around as the clock ticked and it was clear they were unsure of what to do and where to go, even when they're freelancing now it's with better chemistry and patience. I'm giving the credit to Melo because he took the initiative to ask for these changes and he's making good on his promise to look for his teammates and trust them.

Like I said, they're setting screens, picks, moving without the ball, cutting, these things give you better looks and that fosters better ball movement. If they're just standing around and watching Melo work its hard to get a rhythm going. In all fairness this problem goes back many years, even as far back as Isiah. We had this problem before Melo ever became a Knick. I think the time away was good for Melo as blkexec pointed out to step back and watch, and it was good for the team to see that they can't rely on Melo to carry the offense. You're right it is a chicken and egg situation. Maybe in this case they both came around at the same time.

GustavBahler wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:

Knixkik wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:

Knixkik wrote:He's always been a willing passer, guys are just making shots more right now.

An increase of 1.5 assists a game can't be attributed to that unless there's an unreliable gigantic increase in the teammates' shooting. To give it some perspective, about 2 weeks ago (when I last saw the #s) Melo had 6.8 assist opportunities per game (passes to someone shooting) and his teammates were hitting .425 FG%. So he had 2.9 assists a game. If his teammates had been hitting at the league average (closer to .445), he would have had only 0.1 more assists a game (1 more assist every ten games). Differences in teammate shooting percentages make a very small impact on assist totals, because the difference between an efficient and inefficient shooter is often only a few more made baskets per 100 attempts.

Look at it like this. He always tries to get others involved early, but they don't make shots so he tries to do it himself the rest of the game. Now that guys are making shots, he is relying on them all game, he is trusting them. He is passing more because they are making shots more often, simple as that. He has always been a willing passer though.

Yeah, I was going along with your comment that he is passing more.
I think what you label as a "willing passer" I label as "unjustifiable distrust of teammates." If his teammates are hitting so close to the league average (only off by 1 or 2 shots out of 100), he should have all the faith necessary that getting them open shots is a good idea. And just based on basic stats, that faith can't fluctuate on a quarter by quarter or even game by game basis.

Melo was right to distrust Shumpert, he was posting career lows, Felton was playing like caca before he went down, now he has almost doubled his assists this month. Stat's FG pct has gone up dramatically as well as his production and minutes, and now Melo is looking for him more. These aren't guys at the end of the bench.

As Ive said many times, sometimes he gives up on his teammates too soon, but frankly sometimes they aren't showing that they're a better option than he is, especially if they're standing around like statues. Its a combination of both.

You're always going to have some struggling and some thriving teammates. He also had efficient scoring from Amare, K-Mart, Hardaway, and for some games Tyson. It makes more sense to just look at the overall team percentage, which was close to average, rather than listing players struggling and thriving.

I agree with that. My problem with the team average in this situation is that you're factoring in players who don't spend a lot of time on the floor with Melo. I attribute our recent success to these players upping their game more than players who get spot minutes here and there.

I don't know what Stat's efficiency ratings are but I see a player who recently is showing an improved post game. He's throwing down dunks regularly. Melo sees that more than anything else in game and he's going to him more, feed the hot hand.

Shumpert is taking a lot more shots per game recently because he found his jumper and his confidence, if he hadn't, Melo or anyone else wouldnt have started trusting him again.

Ideally he should be more trusting when they're slumping, thats a flaw in his game, but at the same time they can't just stand around and wait for him to look their way. They're being better teammates
now.

I just don't believe this is just about Melo changing his game but everyone coming together (melo included) and deciding to play more as a team. Helping each other get better looks.

This isn't jsut a case of nothing changed but guys just hit shots!!! Melo actually helped his teammates get those good shots and give them confidence. He finally realized that it's not just mindlessly passing as he did when he was resisting MDA. He never really bought into the concept. Now he has grown into a leader and I think he really does understand now why it's important for him to be more of a facilitator in addition to being the primary scorer. But once again, not just mindless passing, but smart passing, spacing, drawing the double and kicking. Being more willing to go quick and in the flow of the offense rather than holding the ball and taking his teammates out of the loop. guys just hitting shots, doesn't change all of those other aspects of the game. The Knicks aren't wildly jacking up 3's as they did in the past. This is a legit offensive approach.