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Carmelo Anthony Reveals All-Time Knicks Starting 5 Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Mariano | Last updated May 15, 2025 11:21 AM ET

The New York Knicks failed to close out their second-round series against the Boston Celtics after losing in Game 5 on Wednesday, 127-102, at TD Garden.

The Celtics, playing without injured star Jayson Tatum, drained 22 three-pointers to notch their first win at home in the best-of-seven matchup. The Knicks still lead, 3-2.

Jaylen Brown had a double-double of 26 points and 12 assists to lead Boston, while Josh Hart finished with 24 points and seven rebounds for New York.

The Knicks will again look to eliminate the Celtics in Game 6 on Friday at Madison Square Garden.

The team can expect the support of former New York star Carmelo Anthony, who has remained loyal to the Big Apple since retiring in 2023. He led the Knicks to three straight appearances in the playoffs from 2011 to 2013.

In an interview with the online show "Rabid Fans," Anthony was asked to complete his all-time Knicks starting five. He was automatically included as the small forward.

He chose Patrick Ewing at center, Charles Oakley at power forward, Allan Houston at shooting guard and Jalen Brunson at point guard.

"I know he's only been in New York for a minute, but I love Jalen Brunson's game," noted the 40-year-old Anthony.

Old-school fans of the Knicks might take out their pitchforks due to some of Anthony's picks, as he snubbed other icons like Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, Dave DeBusschere and Bill Bradley, who all won back-to-back titles, and Bernard King.

Anthony, who captured a scoring crown with the Knicks, averaged 24.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game in seven seasons in New York on 44/37/83 shooting from the field.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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