Carmelo Anthony: Is He the Best Clutch Shooter in the NBA?

Carmelo Anthony may not be the most consistent player on the field.

He isn't always the best shooter, he doesn't play the best defense and he doesn't always make the smartest plays.

It's because of this that many analysts felt it was a mistake for the Knicks to bring Anthony to New York.

On Wednesday night, Anthony reminded everyone why he is such a dangerous player.

In 40 minutes, Anthony shot 12-24 from the field for 31 points. He had six assists and just two turnovers.

It wasn't any of these statistics that stood out; it was the unmeasured variable that was noticed as the game clock neared zero.

With 0.5 seconds left in the game, Anthony hit a jump shot to give the Knicks a 110-108 lead over the Grizzles.

Clutch.

A player can shoot 0-20 on the night. If he scores the game winner as time runs out, all is forgotten and he is the hero.

Some of the greatest players in the history of the NBA are known for their clutch shooting.

Michael Jordan. Kobe Bryant. Dwayne Wade.

Is it time that Anthony should start being mentioned in the group of best clutch shooters? Is he better than those listed above?

I did a little research and here are the findings.

In the following statistics, clutch will be defined as a shot with under 10 seconds remaining in the game when the game is tied or the player's team is trailing by a field goal or less.

In the 2010-2011 season:

Dwyane Wade: 0-4 (0%)
Lebron James: 1-8 (12.5%)
Paul Pierce: 1-3 (33.3%)
Kobe Bryant: 1-3 (33.3%)
Carmelo Anthony: 4-6 (66.7%)
Dirk Nowitzki: 3-4 (75%)

If the time frame is widened to 30 seconds remaining in the game, the only big difference is in Bryant's percentage.

However, the order of the list still remains the same. Take what you want from the statistics.

There are some things that just can't be taught.

Being clutch under pressure is one of them.

Anthony has proven time and time again he has that clutch gene. That's why he is such a valuable asset to the Knicks.