melo-less knicks fall to cavaliers
CLEVELAND — Carmelo Anthony was shocked when he saw the schedule in August and the Knicks were listed as off on Christmas Day.
Yes, he prefers to be on center stage on the NBA’s showcase day, when five games will be shown on national TV.
“I ain’t watching nothing,’’ Anthony said at Quicken Loans Arena at the Wednesday morning shootaround before he decided to rest his sprained left ankle against the Cavaliers. “We should’ve been on Christmas. Christmas in New York. That’s what it should’ve been.’’
The Knicks had played six consecutive Christmas Days, last excluded in 2008. Obviously the Knicks’ 1765 record last season was the reason for this year’s omission. The decision was made before the networks knew 7foot3 rookie Kristaps Porzingis would be such a dizzying attraction and before the club got off to a respectable 1415 start.
“Of course we want to play on Christmas,’’ Anthony said. “I love that. That’s showtime, especially in New York. But we’ll get our shot at it. They’ll come back to us.
“I don’t know what they were looking at. The past is the past. But New York is one of those teams that should always be on Christmas.’’
While the Knicks get Christmas off, figure on many a Merry Kristaps in the future. Porzingis’ parents, who went back to Latvia in early December, have flown back to the United States for the holidays.
“I’ve never played on Christmas before,’’ Porzingis said. “It’s nice to be at home in New York, with my family is here. Playing at home would be better, but it’s the NBA schedule.’’
As a former Lakers and Thunder guard, Knicks coach Derek Fisher said he believes he has been left off the Christmas slate just four times in the past 20 years.
“I’m appreciative to have a job that’s one of the best jobs in the world,’’ said Fisher, who coached the Knicks last Christmas in a 10291 loss to the Wizards.
“People care about this game. Christmas Day and [the games] are one of the most important things going on in a lot of people’s houses. That’s pretty cool. Last year’s Christmas showing wasn’t all that great. Maybe it’s better for us.’’
The Knicks play in Atlanta on Saturday, so they have to fly south on Christmas night.
“We’re more disappointed we’re traveling on Christmas as opposed to playing,’’ Fisher said. “If we were playing at the Garden on the 26th, I think we’d be OK with that. … But it will be good. Guys will enjoy the day.’’
Meanwhile, Anthony is one of the players who recorded a public service announcement on gun violence for the NBA. Anthony marched in Baltimore with protesters this spring after a police shooting.
“I’ve been through those situations, dealing with the Baltimore stuff and going back down there and knowing how important that is, not just in Baltimore, but around the country,’’ Anthony said.
Stephen Curry, Chris Paul and Joakim Noah also participated in filming the spot, which will air during the Christmas games.