Ranking New York Knicks' 10 Best Highlights of the 2014-15 Season so Far

Although the New York Knicks' record reflects struggle and anguish, there have been a few positive moments for the Knicks thus far. 

It's easy to toil in misery, but finding something to smile about amidst darkness defines and separates diehard fans from bandwagoners.

Carmelo Anthony scored his 20,000th point, Amar'e Stoudemire had an athletic resurgence and Iman Shumpert came close to breaking out to a career year. The franchise still has a way to go in order to become relevant in the Eastern Conference, but there is optimism scoured throughout a dreadful season.

Let's take a look at some of the best highlights of 2014-15.

When you're a franchise playing in one of the biggest and most popular cities in the world, you're bound to attract celebrity fanfare. 

Taylor Swift bonding with Stoudemire assisted the struggling franchise in maintaining a positive spotlight in the mainstream media. 

Like a gentleman, Stoudemire worked with Swift and helped her dunk a basketball. Many of us growing up wished we could be in Madison Square Garden rocking the rim. But unfortunately for some of us, that dream never had the chance to materialize. Stoudemire helping Swift feel what it's like to be an NBA player, and it is a tremendous image she will never forget.

When it comes to New York, sometimes highlights are celebrity based. It's part of the territory of the bright lights shining in the Big Apple.

The only way to make a miserable season worse would've been giving the Philadelphia 76ers their first victory on the season (Nov. 22). 

New York escaped that potentially scathing embarrassment by bonding together and putting the 76ers away instead of squandering a lead in the second half. 

Anthony said the following after that game, according to NBA.com's Brian Mahoney:

"You don't want to give a team like that no type of edge, no type of confidence, because when you do, it can be a dangerous night for you."

Losing to the 76ers would've been demoralizing and far more damaging than any of the other losses the franchise has endured in 2014-15. It's one thing to lose to an organization making a concentrated effort to win ball games, but falling victim to a team fielding nine undrafted players that's purposely tanking would have really crushed morale.

Shumpert played very well in eight of his first nine games, scoring at least 10 points in every outing except for opening night against the Chicago Bulls (Oct. 29).

Shump has cooled off some of late, but his hot start can't be taken away from him. He looked like a complete player, contributing on offense and defense and creating shots for himself and his teammates.

If Shumpert could get back to the way he played during that stretch, he'll be set to earn himself a very lucrative contract offer as he becomes a restricted free agent in the offseason. Playing consistently well will also increase his trade value, which will help the Knicks immensely if Phil Jackson and company decide it's time to part ways instead of matching the grandiose offer he may eventually receive from other organizations.

On Nov. 26 against the Dallas Mavericks, Jose Calderon scored 21 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished four assists. 

His 21 points came from knocking down seven three-pointers against his former ballclub. 

Calderon has been a solid piece for the Knicks thus far. Against Dallas, his clutch shooting kept the franchise in a game it realistically should have been blown out in. Playing without Anthony, New York had no business having a lead throughout the game, let alone forcing the Mavs to overtime. But with Calderon's hot hand, the franchise had plenty of chances to steal a victory.

If Calderon didn't miss a chunk of games to start the season, New York might not have gotten off to the worst start in franchise history.

This horrendous start to the season could be a major blessing in disguise for the Knicks. 

Unintentionally tanking gives the Knicks the second-to-worst record in the league, positioning themselves to have a legitimate chance at landing a top-three draft pick in 2015. 

With the potential to sign two all-stars in free agency alongside Anthony, as well as possibly landing a top-three draft pick, the Knicks could be in a great spot moving forward despite the frustrations and lack of accolades throughout 2014-15. 

If New York can land a top-three pick, it will have the opportunity to draft one of Jahlil Okafor, Karl Towns or Emmanuel Mudiay.

Adding one of those three youngsters to New York's current core—plus the two possible all-stars signed through free agency—will have the Knicks on track to multiple winning seasons and a chance to compete for an NBA championship.

Anthony joined the 20,000-point club against the Charlotte Hornets (Nov. 2).

Melo's always been a prolific scorer, and although he's struggled with his shot at times thus far, he's still one of the league's best players on offense. 

In 35 minutes against the Hornets, Anthony contributed 28 points on 12-of-22 shooting. He also knocked down a huge shot in the closing minutes of the game to put New York up by two.

Although the Knicks caught a break with a questionable five-second violation by Lance Stephenson's inability to inbound the ball on time, Anthony's performance kept New York in the game and allowed fans to remember this evening because Melo joined the 20,000-point club.

J.R. Smith's clutch shot against the Mavericks (Nov. 26) gave New York a chance to pull off an amazing upset. 

Calderon put the Knicks in a great position to steal a game. And although New York was down in the closing seconds, a difficult shot by Smith sent things into overtime. The Knicks lost this outing, but at least Smith tried to salvage things at the end of regulation. 

Smith has been sporadic this season. But if he can knock down big shots, New York's luck may turn, and the franchise may see some wins pile up.

Maybe it's the wine baths, or maybe it's the power of a contract year and desperation settling in amidst a difficult season. Whatever it is, Stoudemire looked vintage with this posterizing dunk on Anderson Varejao against the Cleveland Cavaliers (Dec. 4). 

Stoudemire has played well on offense end this season, knocking down shots and piling on points while his teammates struggle to find consistency.

His effort has been on point all year. And in spurts, he's looked like the Stoudemire from his days in Phoenix. He won't be consistently dominant like he once was. But throughout 2014-15, STAT has been able to dig deep and pull out the explosiveness and athleticism that's made him an all-star in his prime.

On Nov. 16, the Knicks beat the Denver Nuggets relentlessly. 

Anthony and Smith each scored 28 points. And for the most part, New York's lead was rarely in danger. 

An unfortunate common theme for the Knicks in 2014-15 has been blowing leads and digging out of holes with runs too late into the game. Against Denver, that wasn't the case. The Knicks played 48 minutes of solid basketball and stepped on the Nuggets' throats down the stretch to ensure a victory. 

Aside from Anthony and Smith, no one else reached double digits in points, but everyone that played knocked down at least one shot.

The Knicks need more well-rounded performances, and they need to put together more complete outings, instead of only playing well in spurts.

New York's best highlight came in the second game of the season when the Knicks beat the Cavaliers, spoiling LeBron James' return (Oct. 30). 

The Knicks played with fire and purpose, and they forced the Cavs to turn the ball over 19 times. James committed eight turnovers, and New York scored 26 points off the 19 it forced. 

Anthony scored 25 points on 9-of-17 shooting, and he dished six assists.

For the most part, the Knicks weren't plagued by their inability to close out games, and their energy allowed them to pick up a signature win to give the franchise and its fans hope for a promising season. 

The potential for the Knicks to play spoiler from here on out remains, and more games could be stolen as long as Anthony is healthy and New York forces turnovers and capitalizes on its mistakes.