Pop Quiz: NBA Postseason Recap (Part II)

Kevin L by Contributor Written on June 24, 2009
DENVER - MAY 29:  Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets drives between Lamar Odom #7 and Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Pepsi Center on May 29, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) (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

Single Page
(0)
...
Share This  
Crop_45x45
or to post this comment

0 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading more comments...
posted just now
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

44
reads

0
comments

written on June 24, 2009 Game Recap

The best newsletter on the web

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address


CBS Sports Official Partner
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Getty Images.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Getty Images is strictly prohibited.