Anthony Wins Over Fans by Playing Hurt?
Nothing advances the cause of winning New York’s affection, or winning back New York’s affection, quite like playing hurt. Carmelo Anthony did not need to review the grainy images of Willis Reed hobbling out of a Garden tunnel that no longer exists to understand that.
If the sacred tunnel was sacrificed at the altar of change, removed in favor of high-priced seats that are part of a higher-priced renovation, the city’s no-pain, no-gain ethos remains intact. Anthony knew his team and fan base needed him Wednesday night whether his injured groin wanted to cooperate or not.
Amare Stoudemire was out, and so was Jeremy Lin. Tyson Chandler would have to wrestle Dwight Howard with a bum wrist, and Baron Davis would have to run the point with a sore hamstring and other achy, breaky parts.
Anthony couldn’t possibly sit this one out. If this were a January game with the Orlando Magic, he likely would’ve let the undermanned Knicks give it the old college try.
Loading ...
