In the wake of the team's worst first-quarter scoring output in 55 years and a second straight loss to a lottery-bound team, Carmelo Anthony said the Knicks team may never reach peak performance until next winter.

"For everyone to get 100% on the same page, it might take next season," Anthony said. "But right now, in this short period of time, we've just got to come together as a unit. As far as everybody jelling and the chemistry and clicking to where we want to be at, it's going to take some time."

Sunday's loss dropped the Knicks (35-34) to 7-8 since Anthony's arrival, and they've lost four of their last five. They are in position for a playoff spot, but they continue to look lackluster.