The basketball player formerly known as “Melo Anthony” became Carmelo Anthony again. But instead of his scoring, his defense and hustle helped ignite the Garden crowd and his Knicks teammates Sunday.

Just trying to lead the pack in other areas other than scoring,” Anthony said. “I think when my teammates see me out there doing the little things to help us win, they feed off of that energy, they feed off of that momentum. They do the same thing. It kind of works hand in hand.”

This is what most fans have hoped Anthony would become since he was acquired from Denver: a team-oriented player who finds different ways to put the Knicks on his back.

via Al Iannazzone of Newday