Carmelo Anthony breaks Knicks record for points in a quarter (Video)

Carmelo Anthony responded to trade rumors in a big way against the Wizards on Thursday. He was unstoppable in the second quarter and broke a Knicks franchise-record by scoring 25 points.

The New York Knicks, down Joakim Noah and playing Kristaps Porzingis limited minutes in his return from injury against the Wizards Thursday night, needed their star player Carmelo Anthony to have a big game.

He started out the game slowly and was unable to score in the first quarter. Things even got ugly for the Knicks and Carmelo and they needed to respond.

But Carmelo Anthony took over the game during the second quarter. He scored from all over the court: he made three threes, nailed six mid-range looks, got to the rim once and made both of his free throws for a franchise-record 25 points.

Anthony made Wizards power forward Markieff Morris look bewildered, as he had no answers on stopping him. He dominated on the offensive end in a way few other players are capable of and posted results that no other New York Knick ever has.

By the end of the quarter, Carmelo Anthony broke a Knicks record for points in a period. His 25 points topped Knicks greats Allan Houston and Willis Reed’s record of 24 points in a single quarter. Anthony surely made a statement and reminded Knicks fans of how talented he is. He now owns Knicks records for points in a game, points in a quarter, and owns the Madison Square Garden record as well.

The Knicks made Carmelo Anthony their franchise player when they acquired him back in 2011. Since then, they have only managed to make the playoffs during two of his five full seasons there.

The Knicks have had one of the league’s best scorers in Anthony, but he may not be their franchise player any longer. Budding star Kristaps Porzingis is the Knicks’ future, and they will rebuild around him eventually. Currently out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, president Phil Jackson has considered trading Anthony.

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Melo has a no-trade clause in his contract and has remain committed to remaining in New York. Recently, him and Phil Jackson had a spirited meeting where he affirmed his commitment to staying in New York. A number of Knicks fans have wanted him out recently as well, and his record-breaking quarter is surely a response. The Knicks fell in a close game, 113-110, despite Anthony’s effort, however, and a tumultuous season continues.