Carmelo Anthony Wins Power Struggle As Coach Mike D’Antoni Resigns

The New York Knicks saw new life with the emergence of Jeremy Lin but ever since Carmelo Anthony returned the team has had a hard time finding a rhythm. The Knicks have lost six consecutive games and are now struggling to make the playoffs as Anthony struggles to find his place on the team.

The losing streak has caused a rift between the team’s star and head coach Mike D’Antoni, but it looks like the fighting is over. D’Antoni resigned from his position today, leaving the Knicks in the hands of assistant coach Mike Woodson as the team plays Portland tonight.

Interim general manager Glen Grunwald said in a statement:

“We thank (D’Antoni) Mike for the hard work he and his staff had put towards making New York a destination for great players in our league as we went through our rebuilding process. But now is the time to look forward to the remaining 24 games of the season. We have a lot of faith in Mike Woodson, who will focus all of his efforts to get this team back into the playoffs and make our final push.”

The news of Mike D’Antoni’s resignation comes just hours after a report surfaced that Carmelo Anthony wanted out of New York. Anthony denied the report and said that he supported D’Antoni 100%.

Jim Dolan, executive chairman of The Madison Square Garden Company, said in a statement:

“After speaking with Mike this morning, we mutually agreed that it would be best for the organization if he did not continue in his role as coach of the Knicks. Mike is a class act and true professional and we have appreciated his honesty, commitment and years of service to the organization.”

What do you think about D’Antoni’s resignation? Was Coach D’Antoni the problem with the Knicks? Will Carmelo Anthony magically fall into a rhythm tonight now that d’Antoni is gone? Do you think the Knicks will make the playoffs?