Carmelo Anthony's game is more efficient

[29$JerZ]

http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/po...more-efficient

The New York Knicks are coming off a loss on Monday to the Houston Rockets. They’re hoping to have Carmelo Anthony back against the Brooklyn Nets after missing the past two games with an ankle injury.

In two games this season against the Nets, Anthony has scored 80 points -- including a season-high 45 on Dec. 18.

In those two games against Brooklyn, Anthony made eight of 12 3-point attempts. Shooting behind the arc is one area of his game that has improved significantly.

Before this season, Anthony was a career 32 percent shooter behind the arc. That average has shot up to 45.5 percent (51-112) this season.

Long-range shooting isn’t the only area of Anthony’s game that has improved. He’s also shooting a career-best 46.8 percent on mid-range shots (which are 2-point field goal attempts taken outside the paint). Last season, he made just 38.9 percent from that distance.

Combined with making more than six free throws per game, Anthony’s true shooting percentage this season is 59.2, which would be the highest of his career. (True shooting percentage is a measure of shooting efficiency that takes into account field goals, three-point field goals and free throws.)

An improved True Shooting Percentage has resulted in higher efficiency from Anthony. His offensive efficiency this season is at a career-high 115.1 -- meaning the Knicks score 115.1 points per 100 possessions with him on the court. His highest offensive efficiency entering this season was 110.7 in 2008-09. When Anthony is not on the court, the Knicks efficiency drops to 102.6

Among players to log at least 100 minutes this season, Anthony’s offensive efficiency ranks third behind Nick Collison (115.5) and teammate Tyson Chandler (115.2).

Another reason the Knicks would like to see Anthony return? He ranks fifth in plus/minus at +167. He’s been on the court for 712 minutes compared to 445 off it and the difference has been noticeable. Per 48 minutes, the Knicks are outscoring opponents by 11.3 points with Anthony on the court, but are getting outscored by almost two points with him off the court.

Anthony is second this season averaging 27.9 points per game. If he maintains that for the entire season, he’d be just the fourth Knick to average at least 27 points per game for an entire season and the first since Patrick Ewing in 1989-90.

Highest Offensive Efficiency
Among Top 5 Players In PPG
Carmelo Anthony 115.1
Kevin Durant 113.3
LeBron James 112.2
Kobe Bryant 109.1
James Harden 102.7
> 2012-13 Season

[HouRealCoach]

Mvp

[Kashmir13579]

Mvp

mip

[TheNumber37]

Last time I checked, He didn't play on DEC 18th. Fail by ESPN

[yankeesown69]

Damn i like that efficiency # from Melo & Chandler and they meant Dec 11th lol

[aNYer]

What really worries me is that we have so many players shooting above their heads. Even the good ones. Brewer has come back down to earth. I just hope the percentage can stay up thanks to the ball movement and open shots.

But for those that hate stats, I hope its clear that these numbers are lending credence to the fact that Melo is playing better this season. Which you can combine with the eye test.

[seikou8]

melo for mvp

[Backstabber]

This is just proof that Grunwald built a great team AROUND Melo. It caters to Melo's strengths. Interestingly, I think a lot of the team compliments Amare too. Can't wait to see his numbers when he gets back.

[micks4real]

Melo's one of the few guys in the league that can take & make bad shots, even when covered by a defender or 2 he shoots at a high %...
this year hes taking his shots & most those 3's are open looks.
the team all together are taking a higher % of open looks... yet people still want to argue knicks shoot the 3 too much smh

[roshan3ai]

59.2% TS%.



Bullshats doe. Don't mean nothing.

[STA_PLAR]

I want him to win MVP so bad....right now its KD...I hope Melo plays even better and the Knick finish with the best record.

[faze38]

That's what happens when u take what the D gives u and pass the ball rather then forcing it up. Melo is on another planet right now!

[Sandman]

what, no love for JR Smith?

[Anji]

Showing these Brooklyn wanna bees how you build and hold a lead at home!!!

[BklynKnicks3]

Melo is easily mvp right now Kd has west brook who is top 10 in mvp him self its really corny