On a night when Carmelo Anthony surpassed 20,000 points in his career, it was a rebound that secured a hard-fought victory over the Hornets Sunday night at the Garden. At times it was difficult to figure out what meant more to him.
The rebound off a missed shot by Kemba Walker secured a 96-93 victory over the Hornets, giving the Knicks their second straight win after that one-sided loss in the season opener to the Bulls.
“It was closure,” said Anthony, adding, “That rebound just sealed the game.”
His 28 points didn’t hurt, either. Anthony came into the game needing three points to become the 40th player in NBA history and the 10th active player to reach 20,000 for his career. He eclipsed the mark with a 3-pointer from the left wing with 7:42 left in the first quarter, and now has 20,025 in a career that feels as if it’s just getting started.
“For me it’s a humbling experience,” he said. “I never thought I’d be sitting here talking about scoring 20,000 points. I used to look back when I played with [Allen Iverson] in Denver and see his stats where he had 20-something thousand points. I never thought I’d be here talking about me reaching that milestone. So I’m definitely humbled by this experience. I’ve got more to go.”
Perhaps it was fitting that the only other Knick to score 20,000 points in his career was courtside. Patrick Ewing is an assistant coach with the Hornets and got his own ovation from the Garden crowd when he was acknowledged during a timeout.
Ewing totaled 24,815 points (23,665 with the Knicks) during his NBA career and understands what it takes to produce that many points.
“He’s an outstanding player,” Ewing told The Post before Sunday’s game. “I’d love to have him on our team. It’s good to have somebody who you know is going to get 30 or 40 any given night.”
Anthony’s ability to score has never been in question. He has averaged roughly 25 points during his career and is easily one of the top five scorers in the league, using his size, strength and shooting touch to dominate opponents. The Hornets saw that up close last January when Anthony scored a career-high and Garden-record 62 points en route to a 125-96 victory.
They got a refresher course Sunday night.
“I’ve seen the hot nights and the cold nights,” J.R. Smith said. “But he’s the most consistent guy I’ve ever seen.”
Though the triangle offense remains a work in progress, Anthony remains the closer. It’s part of his DNA.
“You have to play at high level,” he said, reflecting on his milestone. “You have to be very consistent and healthy. You have to take this game serious. It’s a focus and mentality you have to have to reach a milestone like that.”
While reaching 20,000 points is special, Anthony’s legacy will ultimately be judged on whether he can bring a championship to New York. Until he does, some will view him as just a scorer and not necessarily a great player.
Ewing disagrees.
“I think he’s both,” the former Knicks center said. “You’ve got to be a great player to score 20,000 points in this league. Not too many people can do that.”
The Knicks brass has been pleased at the way Anthony has embraced the triangle offense. When the system is executed properly, it should help him by making others more productive. Iman Shumpert had 15 points Sunday night, and Amar’e Stoudemire came off the bench to score 17.
“Guys are stepping up to the challenge and taking the burden off me,” Anthony said. “It’s early. But everybody is doing their job and playing their role, and as a result, we’re winning.”
Anthony usually scores close to 2,000 points during a season. If he maintains that pace throughout his five-year contract, he will finish near the top five or six scorers of all time. Memo to Melo: All of those guys have won championships.