These are fast and furious times for the Knicks.
On one side of the locker room, Carmelo Anthony, who missed nine of his first 10 shots, explained how he was completing a 15-day fast that zapped him of his energy but cleansed his system, while on the other side, Amar’e Stoudemire revealed the benefits of his new vegan diet on a day the Knicks bounced back to beat lowly New Orleans, 100-87, at the Garden.
“I haven’t had a good meal in 2 1/2 weeks,’’ Melo said. “No meats, no carbs. I don’t know how I was out there competing at a high level.”
For Anthony, the benefits of his fast are worth it for the long haul. He said the fast gives him “clarity’’ even though he admitted he was not feeling up to par because of the fast.
“I’m done now. I can’t do it no more. I surrender,” Anthony said. “I’m gonna go get me the biggest steak I could possibly get.’’
Now comes a fast-break.
Stoudemire has sworn off steak and all meat.
“It’s just so rewarding to be healthy,’’ Stoudemire said. “I’ve done everything possible to be healthy. I took on a vegan diet about three months ago. I feel great.”
Stoudemire showed a few strong post-up moves as he scored 12 points in 23 minutes off the bench.
Stoudemire has clearance from team doctors to play as many as 30 minutes a game. At this rate, if the Knicks, who trailed after a quarter for the 11th time in 12 games, continue to get off to frigid starts, Stoudemire should be put in the starting lineup.
Stoudemire is playing the role of good teammate, though, and said coming off the bench is fine with him.
“I have no problem,’’ he said. “I feel great being able to help lead the second unit, keep them motivated and give our guys a good spark off the bench is no problem with me.’’
“It’s coming,’’ Stoudemire said of his game. “My main goal is to get better defensively. I’ve accepted every challenge Coach Woodson has brought forth.’’
Stoudemire is playing more with his back to the basket, and progress is being made.
“That’s something I’ve been training for and working hard on all summer,’’ Stoudemire said. “You guys are starting to get a small glimpse of the hard work that I’ve put forth this past summer. Hopefully as we continue to play and get into better shape and get back into a rhythm, you’ll see more of that and I become more sharp and efficient.’’
Now that the three-game losing streak is history, the Knicks jet off to London to play the Pistons on Thursday, their only game over the next seven days. For an aging team with injuries, this is the opportunity to get healthy.
Exhale, Knicks, and enjoy.
The Knicks need to be sharper and more efficient, especially at the defensive end. Getting Iman Shumpert back from his terrible knee injury on Thursday will be a huge lift.
Still, despite all their issues, the Knicks are 24-13 and have the chance to chill in London.
Anthony is going to need all the new energy he can muster when he gets back home and will need Stoudemire’s help as well because a week from Monday the Knicks host the hard-charging Nets. Then there is a trip to Boston for the Trash Talk Rematch with Garnett and the Celtics.
Carmelo & Co. have given us a fascinating season so far.
It is only going to get faster and more furious.
kevin.kernan@nypost.com