Technically, Tuesday's Heat-Knicks game was indoors, but Carmelo Anthony spent the evening playing outside. Anthony equaled his career-high 50 points grandly gunning the Knicks to their ninth straight victory. Anthony sank seven threes, while facing only one-third of the "Big Three" of the Heat, wresting a win away, while James and Wade were resting. Anthony shot 69% from the floor, including 70% from long-distance, to help his team go the distance. Amazingly, all 18 of Anthony's baskets were from 15 feet or further away from the hoop. None of his attempts were at closer range than that, either. Anthony was so zeroed-in on putting up points that he had zeros in every other category until the third quarter, proving you can be both a hero and a zero simultaneously.
The stat line of the night belonged to Anthony, but the line of night was drolly delivered by Shane Battier, who was given the task of guarding the skilled scorer: "It's an inopportune time to announce my candidacy for defensive player of the year." At this point, we'd estimate Battier, like Anthony's favorite field goal, is a long-shot.
Showing posts with label carmelo anthony. Show all posts
Showing posts with label carmelo anthony. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
See O2
Blimey, there was basketball across the pond yesterday! If you missed it on the tube - and we mean the telly, not the London subway - that's because tip-off was at low tea time, which is three o'clock for the uninformed and under-caffeinated. Although it went in the books as a home game for Detroit*, it was the blokes on the New York side who felt right at home, since Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler were playing within the same arena they earned gold medals at back in August. Their level of comfort was evident, as Anthony paced all scorers with 26 points, while Chandler tallied tally-hoed a double-double, with 14 rebounds and 10 points.
Whereas the Knicks feature two triumphant Olympians, the Pistons, 14-25, would struggle to have a player selected for the Special Olympics. After registering the first pair of points, Detriot then surrendered 16 straight to New York and never regained their initial lead. Tayshaun Prince can't compete in a country containing two true princes.
Carmelo was probably happy to take a break from the Cheerios conversation stateside to say "Cheerio" through b-ball to the Brits. We think it was a breath of fresh air for Anthony to perform an encore in the O2.
*which makes sense, since the cities are a mere 3,762 miles apart.
Whereas the Knicks feature two triumphant Olympians, the Pistons, 14-25, would struggle to have a player selected for the Special Olympics. After registering the first pair of points, Detriot then surrendered 16 straight to New York and never regained their initial lead. Tayshaun Prince can't compete in a country containing two true princes.
Carmelo was probably happy to take a break from the Cheerios conversation stateside to say "Cheerio" through b-ball to the Brits. We think it was a breath of fresh air for Anthony to perform an encore in the O2.
*which makes sense, since the cities are a mere 3,762 miles apart.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Chex Yourself
What caused Carmelo Anthony to lose his cool and try to confront Kevin Garnett after their teams tangled Monday? 'Melo went nuts, attempting to burst onto the Celtics bus because KG, a tireless trash talker, allegedly informed the Knicks star that his spouse, "tastes like Honey Nut Cheerios." That's not simply speaking smack, that's speaking Honey Smacks. No wonder Anthony, who was suspended one contest for tracking down Garnett in the tunnel, wanted to (corn) pop him. The court code of conduct bars berating anybody's boo.* After the incident, all players should consider raisin (bran) the level of discourse during games.
*and bashing Boo Berry, which would be a even ghastlier error.
*and bashing Boo Berry, which would be a even ghastlier error.
Friday, August 3, 2012
'Ello, 'Melo*
As Nigerian author Chinua Achebe is aware, Things Fall Apart. In this instance, that 'thing' was their basketball team. The good news for Nigeria is that they scored 73 points, which is the most a foe has totaled against Team USA in the 2012 Olympics thus far. The not nearly as good news is that they lost by 83 points, effortlessly eradicated by the widest winning margin in Olympic hoops history, as well as the highest amount of points. Both records and their rivals' resolve were broken.
Nigeria's nightmare manifested itself in the form of Carmelo Anthony, who made the most of his 14 minutes of action, exploding like a stick of dynamite dressed as a small forward, for 37 points, setting a U.S. mark. Anthony's shooting was so hot (13-16 from the field) he might've melted the nets. His fantastic firing from beyond the arc - he hit 10 of 12 treys - was beyond belief. The team as a whole torched the twine as well, swishing 71% of its attempts. 'Melo was in the zone, while Nigeria was in The Twilight Zone, behind by 24 after the first quarter and it only got worse, as their scoring total steadily declined every subsequent quarter. Right away, Team USA reeled off a 13-0 run and before Nigeria could counter they were buried like a high school class's time capsule - only with more shameful stuff to scrutinize. Coach K recommended that Nigeria flush the game film, but we're not privy to their plans. That brings to mind the British idiom: You win some, you loo some.
*We know, he's cocky, not Cockney.
Nigeria's nightmare manifested itself in the form of Carmelo Anthony, who made the most of his 14 minutes of action, exploding like a stick of dynamite dressed as a small forward, for 37 points, setting a U.S. mark. Anthony's shooting was so hot (13-16 from the field) he might've melted the nets. His fantastic firing from beyond the arc - he hit 10 of 12 treys - was beyond belief. The team as a whole torched the twine as well, swishing 71% of its attempts. 'Melo was in the zone, while Nigeria was in The Twilight Zone, behind by 24 after the first quarter and it only got worse, as their scoring total steadily declined every subsequent quarter. Right away, Team USA reeled off a 13-0 run and before Nigeria could counter they were buried like a high school class's time capsule - only with more shameful stuff to scrutinize. Coach K recommended that Nigeria flush the game film, but we're not privy to their plans. That brings to mind the British idiom: You win some, you loo some.
*We know, he's cocky, not Cockney.
Friday, April 27, 2012
East Mode
Like the Bobcats - who, to honor/humiliate their owner, lost the same amount of games in a row as the notable number he wore during his playing days - we couldn't wait for the regular season to end, although in our case, it was because we had the playoffs to look forward to, which start Saturday. Here's our postseason preview of the first round of the Eastern Conference:
#1 Bulls vs. #8 76ers: I'm by no means a fan of U2 - in fact, I secretly want to smack the sunglasses off Bono's smug mug - but "With or Without You" should serve as the Bulls' soundtrack this season. Regardless of whether or not Derrick Rose is hurt, the Bulls are primed to put a hurting on the 76ers. Meanwhile, the sixers will be singing sorrowfully, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," which is a strong front court.
#2 Heat vs. #7 Knicks: Carmelo can't compete with LeBron in jersey sales - or, for that matter, teammate Jeremy Lin - and he can't out-duel him on the court, either. LeBron will take his talents to the Garden like a horticulturist.
#3 Pacers vs. #6 Magic: Just call them "lando" because without Dwight Howard, their 'O' is missing (actually, their 'd,' too, but referring to them as "lano" sounds silly). You could say they "back-ed" into the playoffs*, losing six of their last ten. David West will dominate for the most dangerous team in the East.
#4 Celtics vs. #5 Hawks: The Celtics are like X-Men, in that this is their last stand (Kevin Garnett, while he can't actually shoot lasers a la Cyclops, does possess a laser-like focus). Watch the Hawks' homecourt advantage (the Celtics won their division to earn the higher seed, but the Hawks finished with a better overall record, thus awarding them more meetings in Ted Turner's town, even though the Celtics triumphed 2-1 in the head-to-head series this season - confused yet?) disappear as easily as Nightcrawler does.
*Try not to laugh so hard that it causes a hernia.
#1 Bulls vs. #8 76ers: I'm by no means a fan of U2 - in fact, I secretly want to smack the sunglasses off Bono's smug mug - but "With or Without You" should serve as the Bulls' soundtrack this season. Regardless of whether or not Derrick Rose is hurt, the Bulls are primed to put a hurting on the 76ers. Meanwhile, the sixers will be singing sorrowfully, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," which is a strong front court.
#2 Heat vs. #7 Knicks: Carmelo can't compete with LeBron in jersey sales - or, for that matter, teammate Jeremy Lin - and he can't out-duel him on the court, either. LeBron will take his talents to the Garden like a horticulturist.
#3 Pacers vs. #6 Magic: Just call them "lando" because without Dwight Howard, their 'O' is missing (actually, their 'd,' too, but referring to them as "lano" sounds silly). You could say they "back-ed" into the playoffs*, losing six of their last ten. David West will dominate for the most dangerous team in the East.
#4 Celtics vs. #5 Hawks: The Celtics are like X-Men, in that this is their last stand (Kevin Garnett, while he can't actually shoot lasers a la Cyclops, does possess a laser-like focus). Watch the Hawks' homecourt advantage (the Celtics won their division to earn the higher seed, but the Hawks finished with a better overall record, thus awarding them more meetings in Ted Turner's town, even though the Celtics triumphed 2-1 in the head-to-head series this season - confused yet?) disappear as easily as Nightcrawler does.
*Try not to laugh so hard that it causes a hernia.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Boyz n the Hoodies
When the Miami Heat had a picture of the whole team taken in hooded sweatshirts, they weren't making a fashion statement, they were making a social statement. The pose was a tribute to teenager Trayvon Martin, who was wearing that garment when he was gunned down by a neighborhood watch vigilante who thought he was a thief, while walking back to his father's gated community in Sanford, Florida, on February 26, the same night LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were participating in the All-Star Game in nearby Orlando. The Heat have followed up by writing supportive messages on their sneakers before Friday and Sunday's games. Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire have also been seen or snapped dressed in hoodies. We've never took stock in the superficial saying that, "Clothes make the man." They certainly don't make a man - or any person - guilty of a crime.
While it's not the iconic image of Tommie Smith and John Carlos on the podium at the 1968 Olympics, it's still a brave and bold move. It may seem like a minor gesture, but it's a powerful one for the simple reason that athletes seldom express their opinions on contentious issues - or on anything outside the sphere of sports - remaining neutral enough to be confused with the Swiss*. In fact, they're often advised against it by their agents, who don't want a stance to cost their clients sponsorships or increase the scrutiny of already over-analyzed stars. In the picture, the Heat have their heads bowed down, but they are a group worth looking up to. Although LeBron will receive reproach for this act from some, this is by far his best "decision" to date.
*Does this mean Thabo Sefolosha is doubly neutral? We're not sure.
While it's not the iconic image of Tommie Smith and John Carlos on the podium at the 1968 Olympics, it's still a brave and bold move. It may seem like a minor gesture, but it's a powerful one for the simple reason that athletes seldom express their opinions on contentious issues - or on anything outside the sphere of sports - remaining neutral enough to be confused with the Swiss*. In fact, they're often advised against it by their agents, who don't want a stance to cost their clients sponsorships or increase the scrutiny of already over-analyzed stars. In the picture, the Heat have their heads bowed down, but they are a group worth looking up to. Although LeBron will receive reproach for this act from some, this is by far his best "decision" to date.
*Does this mean Thabo Sefolosha is doubly neutral? We're not sure.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Look What the Bobcats Dragged In
It appears Michael Jordan's sports birthday wish came true (no, not the one where he's a scratch golfer or the one where he's a .300 hitter). The day he celebrated his 49th year on Earth, the owner of the blighted Bobcats saw his team's distinctly unsweet 16-game slide mercifully expire. Game on in Ontario for first-year player Bismack Biyombo, who tallied career-highs in rebounds (13) and blocks (7) against the Raptors. Rookie Kemba Walker, who scored 14 points, said, "It's been awhile (more than a month, as we pointed out in the previous post). We're overdue." Yup, like a late library book.
Unfortunately, as all awful things eventually end, so too do all awesome things, and we must mournfully mention that the Knicks Lin streak is over. Unexpectedly, New York lost at home to the horrid Hornets, owners of the second-worst record in the league, but it wasn't because of a poor performance from Lin. He tied a game-high with 26 points (Amare Stoudemire also scored 26) and added four steals and 5 assists, although he did turn the ball over 9 times. Coach Mike D'Antoni went with a tight 8-man rotation and Lin's teammates were of almost no assistance; Tyson Chandler was the only other Knick to reach double-digits , with 10 points. Contrast that with the Hornets, who had every starter score 12 or more points. We're not Linconsolable about the loss, but we are coming around to the concept that he's not Linvincible after all.
If Carmelo is still sidelined on Sunday, the Knicks might be Lincapable of defeating the Mavs, who are riding a six-game winning streak (second to the Spurs), after erasing a 15-point deficit on the road against the steady 76ers, holding Philly to a stingy 8 points in the third quarter (Dirk Nowitzki made 5 baskets in the third; the Sixers team, 4).
Finally, the third time was the charm for LeBron, as in his contrite third trip back to his old club he amassed a game-high 28 points in just 30 minutes of work, as the Heat burned the Cavs. You could say he put on a clinic in Cleveland. Lin has been the man in Manhattan, but Friday James reminded us why he's the King.
Unfortunately, as all awful things eventually end, so too do all awesome things, and we must mournfully mention that the Knicks Lin streak is over. Unexpectedly, New York lost at home to the horrid Hornets, owners of the second-worst record in the league, but it wasn't because of a poor performance from Lin. He tied a game-high with 26 points (Amare Stoudemire also scored 26) and added four steals and 5 assists, although he did turn the ball over 9 times. Coach Mike D'Antoni went with a tight 8-man rotation and Lin's teammates were of almost no assistance; Tyson Chandler was the only other Knick to reach double-digits , with 10 points. Contrast that with the Hornets, who had every starter score 12 or more points. We're not Linconsolable about the loss, but we are coming around to the concept that he's not Linvincible after all.
If Carmelo is still sidelined on Sunday, the Knicks might be Lincapable of defeating the Mavs, who are riding a six-game winning streak (second to the Spurs), after erasing a 15-point deficit on the road against the steady 76ers, holding Philly to a stingy 8 points in the third quarter (Dirk Nowitzki made 5 baskets in the third; the Sixers team, 4).
Finally, the third time was the charm for LeBron, as in his contrite third trip back to his old club he amassed a game-high 28 points in just 30 minutes of work, as the Heat burned the Cavs. You could say he put on a clinic in Cleveland. Lin has been the man in Manhattan, but Friday James reminded us why he's the King.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Rocky Mountain Hi
After two nights of action, it might be time to scale back the collective expectations for the Threet. Using a combination of mathematics and moderation (two concepts we never applied in college), we can reasonably predict an 81-1 regular season record and a complete cancellation of the playoffs by the commissioner due to Miami's utter dominance, followed by the team’s immediate enshrinement in the Hall of Fame. Diverting our attention from Miami Thrice for a minute, there are many other compelling question beyond whether or not the Three Basketeers make history. Here's a handful for the Denver Nuggets:
Where will Carmelo Anthony's final destination be? Will he be sent to a contender or a struggling squad? Will Denver get anything close to equal value when they do unload him? Will ‘Melo be motivated while he bides his time waiting to leave or will he switch to cruise control? Is he feeling slighted, since Kevin Durant may have surpassed him as a pure scorer? When he departs, can J.R. Smith, he of the Autobots and Decepticons ink, transform (see what we did there?) himself from a streaky scorer into a steady one? Will parting ways with him cause the team to miss the post-season in the Northwest, one of the most difficult divisions in the NBA? If he’s granted his wish to join the Knicks, will the coy approach he's taken adopted by other athletes? Is this his way of not snitching on himself?
Where will Carmelo Anthony's final destination be? Will he be sent to a contender or a struggling squad? Will Denver get anything close to equal value when they do unload him? Will ‘Melo be motivated while he bides his time waiting to leave or will he switch to cruise control? Is he feeling slighted, since Kevin Durant may have surpassed him as a pure scorer? When he departs, can J.R. Smith, he of the Autobots and Decepticons ink, transform (see what we did there?) himself from a streaky scorer into a steady one? Will parting ways with him cause the team to miss the post-season in the Northwest, one of the most difficult divisions in the NBA? If he’s granted his wish to join the Knicks, will the coy approach he's taken adopted by other athletes? Is this his way of not snitching on himself?
Will George Karl’s health hold up in his return to the bench after a courageous battle with throat cancer? Will the team rally around the most player-friendly coach in the NBA, after collapsing in his absence last season?
Can Ty Lawson handle the PG duties well enough to allow Chauncey Billups to pace himself and not play too many minutes early on?
Is there any room left on the Birdman’s body to get another tattoo? Will Lynyrd Skynyrd thank him for the free advertising? Is he learning how to play the guitar so he can honor the musical requests that will soon be shouted his way? Will people hold lighters up when he blocks shots?
Which will be higher at the season’s end: LeBron’s ppg average or the Cavs win total?
Sorry, couldn’t resist sneaking that one in.
Friday, September 24, 2010
'Melo Involved in 4-Way?
No, we're not referring to a scenario that might make Wilt Chamberlain smile upon 'Melo from Heaven. We're talking about a possible trade involving Denver, New Jersey, Utah and Charlotte, with Carmelo landing on the Nets.
Multiple sources have been reporting for months that Anthony has requested out of the Mile High city and his desired destination is the Knicks, so this deal wouldn't be granting his wish exactly. It would be like if in Big, Tom Hanks was turned from a boy into a teenager, instead of an adult.
If the trade is made, 'Melo, try to think of Newark as New York if you squished the letters together and changed the spelling slightly and removed everything great about New York. We understand going to the Nets means you won't play with a prestigious player (Amare), but on the bright side you'd be surrounded by big men who went to some of the most prestigious universities in the country: Brook Lopez (Stanford), Troy Murphy (Notre Dame) and Brian Zoubek (Duke). Still, even if you're not moving to a better team, at least you're transferring to a better time zone. We all know Mountain Standard sucks.
Multiple sources have been reporting for months that Anthony has requested out of the Mile High city and his desired destination is the Knicks, so this deal wouldn't be granting his wish exactly. It would be like if in Big, Tom Hanks was turned from a boy into a teenager, instead of an adult.
If the trade is made, 'Melo, try to think of Newark as New York if you squished the letters together and changed the spelling slightly and removed everything great about New York. We understand going to the Nets means you won't play with a prestigious player (Amare), but on the bright side you'd be surrounded by big men who went to some of the most prestigious universities in the country: Brook Lopez (Stanford), Troy Murphy (Notre Dame) and Brian Zoubek (Duke). Still, even if you're not moving to a better team, at least you're transferring to a better time zone. We all know Mountain Standard sucks.
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