clicked. Credit Mike Woodson, the influence of veteran players like Jason Kidd or some unrelated epiphany, but what really matters is this: Anthony has subtly shifted to address some of his biggest weaknesses and most counterproductive habits, thereby elevating his game and for the first time validating his place in the MVP discussion. His numbers are clearly better and the Knicks are demonstratively better, but what exactly changed?

Anthony's usage rate this season is higher than at any point in his career, and currently more than any other player in the NBA. Yet the way in which he actually uses those possessions is fundamentally different than before, and the product of an altogether more trusting approach. Even when Anthony had creators like Chauncey Billups and Andre Miller as teammatesthe shot clock, and a good defensive rebuff would eliminate the possibility of resetting the offense or finding an alternative option if things didn't go as planned. Worst of all: Anthony's game, though still potent, became unavoidably predictable. His skill set may have been versatile enough to execute all kinds of moves from his favorite spots on the floor, but opponents gradually grew wise to the limits and tendencies of an Anthony-driven offense. That never stopped Anthony from getting his, but it capped his efficiency and made both Denver and New York that much easier to defend.

Yet this season, the Knicks rank second in points scored per possession in part because of Anthony's willingness to give up control. He's allowed Raymond Felton and Kidd the opportunity to orchestrate