New York Knicks: Melo's Talent Gives Him Rare License To Hoist Bad Shot

The Knicks suffered an embarrassing loss at home to the Toronto Raptors. They trailed the whole game, but rallied to have a chance at the end. With 17.7 seconds left, the Knicks were down three and of course, they gave the ball to Carmelo Anthony.

Melo was set up for an isolation play. He pulled up with a quick and contested three. The shot missed the mark and the Knicks lost.

What was apparently designed, was not executed on the floor. Head coach Mike D'Antoni said this of the situation:

"

With 17 seconds to go, we wanted to get a two. If a three presented itself and it’s wide open, yeah, we’d take it. But we wanted to go for a quick two and then look and see what happens. It didn’t happen. There was confusion. So be it.

"

Great scorers take and make shots that others shouldn't bother attempting every game. Sometimes they miss them, but they are the players they are because they take those shots.

Carmelo Anthony is a part of a small group of players who should be afforded the autonomy to audible in game winning or tying situations.

Much of this is the product of the pressure that is being felt throughout the Knicks organization. The players and especially D'Antoni know that winning this year is the only option for this team.

Anything short of the Eastern Conference Finals will likely result in D'Antoni's removal, as this is the final year of his deal. The 2-3 start may be acceptable for some teams, but not one as talented and high profile as the Knicks.

The Knicks have taken measures to balance their offensive to defensive approach by signing Tyson Chandler to man the middle and hiring defensive minded assistant, Mike Woodson. Still, they appear mediocre at best.

This shot and miss should have rolled off of the backs of players and coaches, but in the city, in this situation, it's a big deal.