NBA Playoffs 2012: Can Carmelo Continue Hot Streak into Postseason?

New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony enjoyed an outstanding April, but can he continue his stellar play into May and June—the months that really count?

Anthony's regular season was a roller coaster ride that included his groin injury, the Linsanity phenomenon, a coaching change and the chase for a playoff spot. 

When the dust settled from the Jeremy Lin theatrics and head coach Mike D'Antoni resigning, 'Melo turned April into his own personal video game.

In the past month, Anthony averaged 29 points per game, eclipsed 30 points seven times and cranked up the intensity on defense. New head coach Mike Woodson sparked something in 'Melo that we hadn't seen yet this season.

How did he have such a good month? By getting back to basics. He aggressively attacked the hoop, converted more of his three-pointers and took advantage of his sharp-shooting teammates stretching opposing defenses.

'Melo shot 50 percent from the field in April, as opposed to 41 percent in March. From long-range he saw an even better improvement: He went from 27 percent in March to 46 percent in April.

When he wants to get to the hoop, he's nearly un-guardable because of his excellent footwork, positioning and soft touch with the ball.

The important question to ask is whether Anthony's late regular-season success will translate into the playoffs, especially against LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

For the Knicks to have any shot to beat Miami, he needs to play the best basketball of his career. The ball is going to be in his hands for the majority of the series, so every decision he makes needs to be perfect. There isn't much margin for error against the Heat.

Anthony will need to trust teammates like J.R. Smith and Steve Novak to hit open shots, and he'll need to give Amare Stoudemire ample opportunity to be involved. But ultimately, he's the one that New York will rely on to score in a pinch, especially if Erik Spoelstra decides not to double-team him much.

Challenging Miami is a tall order, but I think Carmelo is ready to continue his torrid pace and give the Heat a run for its money into a sixth or seventh game.

Why? Because he's noticeably more committed on both ends of the floor, and he's shown an increase in leadership and ownership of the team's identity.

Much like New York's 93-85 loss to Miami earlier this month, Carmelo's best effort might not be enough for the Knicks to advance. But you can bet your bottom dollar he will put on a show and give New York a great chance to conquer South Beach.

Follow @danielobleacher