December 11, 2008 9:54 PM
Melo shows flash of M.J.
By Aaron J. Lopez
When Carmelo Anthony emerged from the training room Thursday, he looked and sounded like someone who just got out of bed. Celebrating an NBA record can take a lot out of a guy.
"I am tired, man," he told a small group of reporters awaiting his appearance at the Pepsi Center.
As expected, Anthony received plenty of phone calls late Wednesday night and into Thursday morning after scoring 33 points in third quarter of Denver's 116-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The outburst tied George Gervin's 30-year-old NBA record and helped the Nuggets avoid a potentially deflating loss to the woeful Wolves. Equally important, it could serve as a confidence boost for Anthony, whose scoring has dropped considerably in the first quarter of the season.
"Confidence is a very thin line in pro sports," coach George Karl said. "We all think that once you are successful as a star player, it's easy to be a star player. It isn't - and scoring is the hardest part of being a star player."
I remember sitting courtside when Michael Jordan torched the Nuggets for 22 points in the third quarter of a game at McNichols Arena in 1996. In the midst of the magic, former Nuggets media relations director Tommy Sheppard leaned over and said, "It's like watching Michelangelo paint."
Anthony has a long way before anyone compares him to M.J. or Michelangelo, but his historic quarter gave us reason to believe that this could be a special season for the Nuggets.
His teammates were rooting for him with every touch and there was no hint of Anthony trying to become a ball hog. His shots came within the flow of the offense as he scored from inside the paint, behind the three-point arc and from the free-throw line.
Let's not forget that Anthony had 11 rebounds, raising his team-leading average to 8.2. His work on the boards helps offset the drop in scoring, and it also shows that Anthony is willing to sacrifice his offensive numbers if it means winning more games.
Based on his tired eyes and croaky voice Thursday, Anthony probably wouldn't mind sharing the scoring load in the coming days.
Tying NBA records can be exhausting.
December 12, 2008
7:44 AM
MGD writes:
He played a great game. He started his scoring with a steal, had put backs and rebounds. Made passes and hit virtually everything. If he can bring anything close to that on a regualr basis, and I mean the hustle not just the ridiculous scoring, the Nuggets are going to be very tough.
The new look Nuggets aren't necessarily that much more talented, AI has loads of talent, but they are making the most of it. They are playing both ends of the court and making more possesions count on offensive as well as defense.
Beating the Lakers to get out of the West? Unlikely but at least they are in the hunt finally.
December 12, 2008
8:01 AM
Anonymous writes:
I like you Melo and I like your game but when I come to work and I'm tired I make damn sure no one knows it. I think it's part of being a professional and you need to act like MJ would act if you want to be on his or even Lebron's level. I hope you realize your potential and the harder you work the more confidence you have and confidence equals success. Bottom line, go to work, work hard, and no complaining.
December 13, 2008
9:49 AM
Nugnugz writes:
Leave Carmelo alone. When you show up tired to work, you're working at some stupid office in your fancy cushioned seat. Sitting around all day, drinking your coffee, thinking about what type of underwear your little office assistant is wearing. Carmelo is putting up big numbers across the board. He has the right to be tired. And until Lebron wins something Carmelo hasn't won (i.e. a championship) they are on the same level.
December 13, 2008
1:00 PM
keith writes:
don't forget melo already is one up on lebron, ncaa championship at cuse!
December 14, 2008
10:14 PM
mark writes:
Putting Melo in the same sentence as MJ is laughable. He is trying harder this year and actually playing some defense, but he is not and never will be Michael Jordan.
December 15, 2008
2:43 PM
jersey writes:
Mark: Could not agree with you more as to the MJ comparison. I love Melo's game and what he has achieved but to mention him in the same breath as "Air" would be like comparing a Toyota to a Lamborghini.