Former New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony believes the franchise has found something it lacked in previous seasons: a clear identity.
Speaking with DJ Siddiqi of R.org, Anthony pointed to the Knicks’ toughness, chemistry and late-game confidence as the biggest reasons behind their playoff surge. New York swept the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals and advanced to the conference finals after finishing the regular season 53-29.
“I mean this run feels different,” Anthony said. “The Knicks have an identity right now. They’re tough, they’re connected. They don’t seem like they’re flinching in any environment.”
Anthony also highlighted the level of play from Jalen Brunson, who has been one of the postseason’s top performers. Brunson averaged 26.0 points and 6.8 assists during the regular season, then elevated his production to 27.4 points per game through New York’s first 10 playoff games.
The former Knicks forward said Brunson is “playing like one of the best five players in the league right now,” while also praising Karl-Anthony Towns for his two-way impact.
Towns has given New York interior scoring, rebounding and playmaking throughout the postseason. The veteran center averaged 17.4 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.6 assists in the playoffs entering the conference finals, while shooting 58.7% from the field.
Anthony also credited the Knicks’ depth and collective approach for helping them take another step this spring.
“And the bench, there’s been a collective effort, and it’s been impressive to watch,” Anthony said.
The former scoring champion believes the team’s mindset changed after its dominant first-round closeout win against the Atlanta Hawks. New York defeated Atlanta 140-89 in Game 6 on April 30 before sweeping Philadelphia in the next round.
“When they stop being a team that loses into a moment,” Anthony said. “They are the moment now, and when you control that moment, you have the power.”
The Knicks have backed up those comments statistically during the playoffs. OG Anunoby has averaged 21.4 points on 61.9% shooting through eight postseason games, while Mikal Bridges has added efficient perimeter scoring and defense.
New York’s balance has been one of the defining traits of its postseason run. Five Knicks players averaged at least 10 points per game during the playoffs entering the conference finals, and the team continued to generate offense without relying exclusively on isolation basketball.
Anthony also reflected on the toughest defenses he faced during his own NBA career. Rather than naming one individual defender, he pointed to the San Antonio Spurs teams coached by Gregg Popovich.
“Oh man, I’ll say the Spurs,” Anthony said. “I think because they just had a great defensive team, defensive schemes.”
Anthony specifically mentioned the Spurs’ team-oriented defensive approach and preparation, saying the organization consistently built game plans designed to slow opposing stars.
As the Knicks continue their playoff run, Anthony sees similarities between championship-caliber teams and the current version of New York: structure, defensive commitment and confidence in defining moments.
