‘They Never Quit’: Carmelo Anthony Points Out Change in New York Knicks Brought By Tom Thibodeau

On one hand, we have the Portland Trail Blazers, who are working their way up the Western Conference and are holding the fifth spot with a 12-9 record. And then we have the New York Knicks, who are tenth in the Eastern Conference with a 10-13 record. Well, it’s not as bad as it sounds. There was a point where the Knicks would struggle to keep themselves relevant in the league, but a lot has changed since Tom Thibodeau took over as their coach.

In fact, Blazers’ Carmelo Anthony can’t help but praise Tom for it.

Tom Thibodeau rose their performance graph

Last year in July, Tom Thibodeau was announced as the Knicks’ new head coach. Although they aren’t what they were back in the 70s, but they are slowly and steadily gaining back their reputation. That might be all thanks to Tom. In fact, former Knicks star, Carmelo Anthony, who played for the Knicks from 2011 to 2017, can also see a difference in the team.

“I think we all know what Thibs brings to the game,” Anthony said. “It’s just his intensity and his focus and his attention to detail. Any team he’s ever coached have played the same way.

“They play hard, they leave it all out there on the court, they never give up, they never quit, and regardless of the outcome, you see that with this young team that he has now.”

What’s next for the Knicks?

However, this does not mean NY is championship-ready. So far, most of the wins that they’ve gotten so far are against the lesser competitive teams. And with the way the East is this year, with the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Brooklyn Nets soaring to new heights every day, the Knicks have a long way to go.

Although Knicks’ center Julius Randle has landed quite some votes for the All-Star game this season. Fans can only hope he makes it to the All-Star berth. Next up, the Knicks are going to be facing the Boston Celtics. Do you think they have a shot at getting a place in the playoffs at least?

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