New York Knicks: Win over Atlanta Hawks Isn't Proof Stat and Melo Can Co-Exist

Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony combined for 61 points in the New York Knicks' win over the Atlanta Hawks. That was exactly what the Knicks envisioned when they brought these two players to New York, but that doesn't mean this seals the deal in regards to them playing well together.

The biggest thing to mention about this game was the fact that Tyson Chandler didn't play. As a result, Amar'e was able to play center and Melo started at the four. Both positions have allowed the Knicks' two best players to flourish at different points over the past two seasons.

However, New York's defense suffered mightily.

Things could change drastically for better or worse when Chandler does return, though.

With Chandler playing center, Stat won't have as much room to work his game against whatever opponent the Knicks face on any given day. Also, Melo will move to small forward and will also have less space to do his thing when Stat moves back to power forward.

Not to mention all the mismatches Anthony can bring playing at the four.

Many critics have pointed to this as being a major problem for these two stars, and it could negatively impact their offense. But there are some things to take note of before such a conclusion can be reached.

The Knicks are now 7-2 with Stat and Melo in the lineup together since Mike Woodson took over as head coach. That isn't a bad mark for two guys who supposedly can't play together.

Also, Melo was shooting at a career-low clip this season, and it's tough to play with anyone if you can't knock down your shots. Anthony doesn't seem to have that problem anymore and is back to his old self as far as shooting at a solid percentage is concerned.

In New York's loss to Cleveland, I noticed that Amar'e moved out to a mid-range position when Melo got the ball. Not only did that clear the space for Anthony to work on the right side of the floor, it also gave him an option to kick it out to Stat, who has developed a solid mid-range game over the course of his career.

And when Melo cools off from whatever tear he's on, the Knicks can run the offense through Stat and work the pick-and-roll. Anthony can even facilitate that offense if need be, further adding a touch of cohesion between the two.

I guess that the theme here is balance.

That could be the recipe for Coach Woodson that best meshes his three best players without taking any of them completely out of the mix. Expect to see the same approach moving forward with some variations here and there.

Also, if it really doesn't work out between Stoudemire and Anthony, Woodson could move Stat to the bench and have him play the majority of his minutes with the second line. That would improve New York's bench and give Stat the room he needs to work.

Amar'e is the type of guy that would do what's best for the team, and if it means winning, he'll come off the bench.

Although we can't take a win over the Hawks as evidence these two can play together, it did show how explosive Stat and Melo can be if they can coexist.

There is little to no question the Knicks can score the ball, and there's certainly no question they can play defense. The only question that remains with this team is if they can put it altogether and play championship basketball.

With the Miami Heat or the Chicago Bulls most likely in the first round, the Knicks must.