"We're not in panic mode, because it doesn't just work where all of sudden people show up and you have great chemistry," Lin said. "So we're going to have to work through some struggles, so as long as we're all committed and buying in, we'll be fine."
D'Antoni and Stoudemire have also used the "buying in" term, and though nobody has ever said so, the hunch is always that they're talking specifically about Anthony. D'Antoni's offense flows best with quick ball movement and unselfish play, and Anthony's preference has also been to isolate and hold the ball before trying to take his man 1-on-1.
Anthony has had moments of brilliance with the Knicks, such as his 42-point, 17-rebound Game 2 performance against Boston in the playoffs. His 20 game-winning or tying baskets with under 10 seconds left are second among active players to Kobe Bryant's 22, so the Knicks need him on the floor no matter what this season's results have been.
Extra practice time around the All-Star break should allow Lin and Anthony to develop cohesion, and eventually New York's two most popular players might be just as productive.
Maybe Melo can turn Linsanity into LinsAnthony.
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Follow Brian Mahoney on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Briancmahoney
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