New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony Blasts NYK For Lack Of Effort

Following the 127-114 loss to the Denver Nuggets, Carmelo Anthony criticized the New York Knicks for playing with a lack of effort.

It’s easy to forget that 14-13 is better than most expected the New York Knicks to be through 27 games. For that reason, it’s tough to be critical of a Knicks team that, by public expectations, are overachieving in 2016-17.

When effort is a recurring issue for a veteran team, however, it’s hardly surprising that players, coaches, fans, and media members are as critical as they are.

Coming off of New York’s 127-114 loss to the Denver Nuggets, there was an abundance of criticism to throw around. The offense was explosive, but once again, the defense was far from acceptable.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Anthony cited the Knicks’ lack of effort as the reason for the 127-114 loss to the Denver Nuggets.

Though that may be a bold claim, Anthony is saying, “We,” which is a sign of both leadership and accountability.

Effort is a delicate word, but Anthony isn’t the first player who has criticized the Knicks for a lack of it. Brandon Jennings publicly blasted New York for that same reason following a 119-112 loss to the Washington Wizards.

It’s worth noting that New York won nine of its next 12 games following Jennings’ comments.

Unfortunately, it’s since lost three in a row.

One can rationally hope that Anthony’s criticism can have the positive influence that Jennings’ comments did. New York is still a game above .500, but its next three games will be against postseason-caliber opponents: Indiana, Orlando, and Boston.

With a three-game road trip set to begin on Sunday, January 29, the Knicks will need to stabilize the effort with which they defend on the road.

The question is: will this continue to be an issue? Or will the Knicks step up before it’s too late?