NBA

Knicks forward Anthony out of rhythm

TORONTO — Carmelo Anthony’s deep shooting slump hasn’t been reversed by the Knicks’ coaching change, and last night he admitted his defense looks a lot better than his jump shot.

In the Knicks’ 96-79 loss to the Raptors last night, Anthony scored two points in the second half, shot 6-of-15 and finished with 12 points and barely touched the ball. He hit one jump shot all game.

And he can’t even blame it on former coach Mike D’Antoni.

During the six-game Mike Woodson reign, Anthony has played with energy and spirit, but is shooting 38 percent and seems eager to move the ball at the perimeter.

Anthony believes his sore right wrist may have something to do with his poor shooting, but hasn’t used it as an excuse.

“I don’t have a rhythm right now,’’ Anthony said. “I guess that’s going to come with extra shots, treatment, getting to the gym early. The rhythm comes and goes. If anyone finds my rhythm, I’ll take it.’’

Anthony’s jumper hasn’t been true all season; he’s shooting 39.9 percent. He hasn’t been the leading scorer once during the Woodson’s time as coach and he’s becoming more deferential as the jumper goes south.

“I’m trying to find my shots on the court and trying figure it out,’’ Anthony said. “But right now I don’t have the rhythm. I never thought I’d be saying this but my defense is ahead of my offense right now. I’ll take it. As far as my shot goes, I still have confidence it will come back.’’

Anthony flexed his wrist after a 3-pointer barely grazed the rim in the second quarter. He was 2-of-7 in the first quarter, but got enough inside buckets on putbacks and drives to the hole to get to 10 points at half before becoming invisible in the final two quarters (1-of-4, two points).