Melo hails new mentality after early season struggles.
There were seven games on the NBA schedule on Monday night, with the New York Knicks securing a fifth consecutive win as they continue their turnaround.
Carmelo Anthony had 29 points and 16 rebounds as the Knicks forced the Phoenix Suns to miss all seven of their shots in overtime to seal a 98-96 win at the Garden.
Having seen their 14-point lead turn into a five-point deficit late in regulation, it appeared to be one of those games that coach Mike Woodson would have become accustomed to given their early season form.
However, New York were able to battle back and clinch a fifth consecutive win which sees them move up into joint eighth spot in the Eastern Conference and firmly back in the playoff picture.
“I think now as a team, I think mentally we’re a different type of team,” Anthony said, according to ESPN.
“I think now we’re starting to believe that when we do get down, we still have a chance to win the basketball game.”
Raymond Felton added 19 points for the Knicks who now move to 15-22 for the season ahead of an eight-game homestand, while Goran Dragic came up with a big performance for the visitors as he had 28 points and eight rebounds.
Elsewhere, the San Antonio Spurs came through a surprisingly tough encounter with an injury-hit New Orleans Pelicans, with Tim Duncan fouling out in the fourth quarter.
However, Tony Parker took it upon himself to push the Spurs through and secure the win with three clutch lay-ups in the final minutes as they came away with a fifth straight victory after their 101-95 win.
“I was in attack mode,” Parker said. “When I saw TD go out, I knew I was going to be aggressive and try to create for myself or for my teammates.”
Parker had 27 points on the night, while Duncan scored 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds before fouling out. Manu Ginobili added 14 points, Kawhi Leonard had 13 and Marco Belinelli 12 for the Western Conference-leading San Antonio.
Anthony Davis had 22 points and 11 rebounds for the hosts, but with Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson out with injury, they were unable to push their rivals late on.
The win moves San Antonio to 30-8 for the season, giving them a one-and-a-half game lead over nearest rivals, the Portland Trail Blazers.
Back over in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics slipped to a ninth consecutive loss following a 104-92 home defeat to the Houston Rockets, while the Chicago Bulls saw their recent impressive run come to an end as John Wall and Nene led the visiting Washington Wizards to victory.
In addition, the Toronto Raptors continued their impressive season with a comfortable win over the Milwaukee Bucks, which moves them to 19-17 for the season and up to third in the East.
NBA Results:
Milwaukee Bucks 94-116 Toronto Raptors
Houston Rockets 114-92 Boston Celtics
Phoenix Suns 96-98 New York Knicks
Washington Wizards 102-88 Chicago Bulls
San Antonio Spurs 101-95 New Orleans Pelicans
Orlando Magic 88-107 Dallas Mavericks
Denver Nuggets 103-118 Utah Jazz
COMMENTS