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NBA Winners and Losers From First Quarter of 2014-15

By Michael Dunlap

Dec 6, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Loser: Carmelo Anthony

It’s not so much that the Chicago Bulls have been dominating the Eastern Conference, but it’s that the New York Knicks have been so horrific. We’re at the point where we’re wondering if the Knicks are actually tanking. Think about that — a team with a legit superstar who is basically healthy has the media openly wondering if they’re tanking.

Melo is averaging 22.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists with a shooting line of .456/.352/.795. It’s not that those numbers are so bad, but they’re a far cry from the 27.4/8.1/3.1 that Anthony was putting up last year. On top of that, the Knicks are 4-20 and have begun fighting among themselves.

New coach Derek Fisher has been a flop. The triangle offense has been a flop. People who’ve left are having career resurrections (more on that soon) and people who are there don’t seem happy at all. It’s a toxic environment for sure, and Melo actually chose to be in it. That Phil Jackson could sell anything.

Next: Thank The Gods For The West