Carmelo Anthony ‘isn’t over’ New York’s playoff loss to Indiana

Less than 6 months ago, the New York Knicks exited the playoffs in unceremonious fashion at the hands of the Indiana Pacers. Now, as the 2013-2014 season approaches, New York’s superstar, Carmelo Anthony, has revealed (courtesy of ESPNNewYork.com) that he is having trouble moving past last season’s playoff loss.

Ian Begley gathered the following quotes from Anthony in reference to the playoff exit:

"“I’m not over it. I’m not over it,” Anthony said. “I might act like it’s over but I’m not over it, not at all.”“For me it’s definitely motivation, but I don’t need that to motivate me. I get up and I get going myself. I motivate myself. I know what happened last year and I won’t forget that.”"

That’s direct and to the point in a way that few athletes usually open up. This will certainly endear Anthony, who is far and away the team’s best player, to the fan base, as it is always a worry that fans “care more” than players with regard to bad losses. More importantly, it could light a fire under Anthony, and if he becomes the two-way player that the NBA public wants him to be, it could be a scary proposition for the rest of the league.

Amusingly, Anthony averaged 29 points and 8 rebounds in the series, and was virtually the only Knick who showed up against Indiana. New York has “brought the gang back together” this season, with a few notable additions, and expectations are probably even lower as the season opens.

Now, let’s see what Carmelo does in response.