Pop Quiz: NBA Postseason Recap (Part II)

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Part Two:

6. Which player had a breakout postseason in 2009?

            A. Mo Williams

            B. Rodney Stuckey

            C. Carmelo Anthony

            D. Adam Morrison

The correct response is C. If you answered A or D, you are a complete idiot. If you answered B, you must be Joe Dumars.

Don’t get me wrong. Melo’s been pretty damn good since he entered the league in ‘03. He just wasn’t on the level his fellow ’03 draftees were on. People always chose to focus on the bad with Carmelo Anthony—He didn’t play defense.

He didn’t listen to George Karl. He didn’t want you snitching in Baltimore. Etc…There was just always something negative overshadowing his immense basketball talent.

That wasn’t the case this postseason. Something finally clicked for Anthony. Maybe it was the Redeem Team. Maybe it was the presence of Chauncey Billups. Maybe it was just maturity. Whatever it was, Anthony proved he belonged in the upper echelon of NBA superstars.

Anthony powered the Nuggets through the playoffs, averaging 27 points as he led them to their first trip to the Western Conference Finals since 1985. Along the way, Anthony had several clutch plays and performances. In Game Three of the Western Conference Semi’s against Dallas, Anthony hit the controversial three that propelled the Nuggets to a 106-105 victory.

He followed that up with a playoff career high of 41 points. Against the Lakers, Anthony opened up with a monster game: 39 points on an efficient 14-20 from the floor, including  4-5 from downtown.

But we all know what ’Melo can do offensively. He’s perhaps the best scorer in the NBA.

What was really impressive was Anthony’s effort and intensity at the defensive end. It seems like Anthony finally understands the relationship between defense and success in the postseason.

Again, you can credit whatever you want for this—being around the work ethic and drive of particular Redeem Team members; AI leaving/Billups arriving; or just player and coach finally being on the same page (or at least the same chapter)—Whoever you give credit to, make sure you save a little for Carmelo Anthony. This postseason was his coming out party, and he’s only going to get better.

If you miss the next question, your occupation is either NBA Commissioner or bookie.

7.  Once again, the NBA playoffs was blemished by _____________ officiating.

            A. dreadful

            B. atrocious

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