The noise around the New York Knicks had usually arrived before the proof, but now, it might be the other way around. After beating the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup Finals to secure a come-from-behind win, the conversation has shifted into something more substantial than just a feel-good story, and it’s not just the team, but former players, too, including Carmelo Anthony.

During an appearance on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Anthony was asked if he thinks the Knicks have a chance to take the championship, and he kept it simple while touching on Karl-Anthony Towns’ play.

“I honestly believe that the Knicks have a legit shot at the NBA championship,” Melo said. “At least getting there, and then they will have to compete with OKC. But what we’re seeing with the Knicks is they’re building, they’re growing. They’re getting more comfortable with each other.”

Melo also touched on the controversy over the banner raise after the NBA Cup win. “Should they raise the banner? You have to appreciate this moment. Let’s appreciate all the wins that we have, that we come across, because years from now, this in-season tournament, this cup will be major part of the NBA. We should appreciate the wins that we have right now and be grateful about that.”

Melo, for sure, isn’t selling nostalgia or hype, like a former star trying to connect himself to relevance, but is instead convinced of their success. Anthony pointed to the team’s internal growth, singling out how the Knicks are building together and developing chemistry, something that has been a key part of the team’s core, especially with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges all having attended Villanova together.

Appreciate the wins you have, because franchises like the Knicks haven’t always had that luxury. The Knicks haven’t just stumbled into success either. They’ve handled lofty expectations, navigated offseason pressure for two years in a row, and performed under the spotlight. These experiences don’t disappear when the postseason starts; instead, they build the foundation for a successful mindset.

Why This New York Knicks Team Feels Different to Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony isn’t just putting his confidence in wins, but also in the team’s identity. He sees a Knicks team that finally understands who they are and is becoming increasingly comfortable with their execution night after night. Karl-Anthony Towns has become the clearest example of that evolution.

So, when Fallon raised Karl-Anthony’s 3-pointers, comparing it with “he does it from like half-court now,” Anthony had a subtle response.

“I love the energy and what I’m seeing from KAT right now,” Anthony told Fallon. “It seems like he turned over a new page, and he’s gotten comfortable in what coach Mike Brown wanted him to do, and he’s showing that.”

That comfort, not just from Towns, but the whole roster, is what separates early-season momentum from more sustainable growth. The NY Knicks aren’t relying on hot stretches, but stacking experience and learning how to close. One shift that aligns with Anthony’s belief is the team’s depth.

Under Tom Thibodeau last season, the team relied much more heavily on the team’s starters, with the only bench players playing more than eight minutes in the playoffs being Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride. With Mike Brown at the helm starting this offseason, the team has relied on a variety of pieces, and we need only look at the team’s recent performances.

During the NBA Cup Group stage, Landry Shamet stepped up to score 36 points off the bench, despite playing just under eight minutes per game last postseason. During the Cup Finals, Tyler Kolek came off the bench to help lead a late-game surge to take the lead against the Spurs.

For once, Anthony’s reflection of the wider belief in the Knicks isn’t defensive, but calm, and this might be the most dangerous version yet.