NBA Playoffs 2012: Carmelo Anthony and 4 Players Who Must Carry the Load

Some players just have the transcendent ability to will their team to wins. Sometimes that player goes down with an injury and someone must step up in their role. Or in some cases, a team that barely sneaks in the playoffs is looking for that type of guy.

In the 2012 NBA Playoffs, we will find out which players have the ability to overcome all the adversity, all the scrutiny and possibly their past failures.

With some teams on the verge of disappointing first-round exits, they will need a certain player to step their game up and carry the team.

Here are five players who must step up in order for their team to advance.

Rudy Gay, Memphis Grizzlies

Entering the 4th quarter of Game 1, the Memphis Grizzlies held a 21-point lead over the Los Angeles Clippers. That was not even the largest lead of the game. It actually increased to 27 with eight minutes remaining.

Shortly after, the Clippers went on an incredible scoring run, receiving terrific bench play from Nick Young, who hit three consecutive three pointers.

The Clippers ultimately outscored the Grizzlies in the 4th quarter 35-13 and won the game by one point.

The Grizzles had a terrific season, finishing a game better than the Clippers at 41-25. They are, however, at a critical point. After losing in such horrendous fashion, will their young players become emotionally defeated?

It will be up to a player like Rudy Gay, a veteran who averaged 19 points per game, to shoulder the load and bring the momentum back to Memphis.

The Clippers are riding high but the Grizzlies possess the talent to turn this series around, and Gay will need to be the playmaker.

Richard Hamilton, Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls cruised to the No.1 seed in the playoffs despite reigning MVP Derrick Rose playing in only 39 games.

Chicago has a deep roster that enabled them to win with defense and great rebounding.

Now that the playoffs have arrived and reports have confirmed that Rose has a torn ACL and MCL, the Bulls now have the pressure squarely on their backs.

The replacement of Rose, C.J. Watson, may not be the facilitator that can lead a team to championship. The Bulls must hope that he can serve the role that J.J. Barea played for Dallas last season.

How to replace Rose's point production? In steps Richard Hamilton.

To be clear, Hamilton is not the player he was on the Detroit Pistons when they won the NBA title. He is, however, a capable scorer who averaged 11.6 points per game during the season, and he has big-game acumen.

He averaged 11 shots per game on 45% shooting, so the point totals should increase as his shots increase.

The Bulls have enough depth that they can continue to win with defense and timely shooting, but the loss of Rose is tremendous nevertheless.

Hamilton may represent their best chance for a seamless transition from Derrick Rose.

Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

With 7:03 remaining in the 4th quarter of Game 2, the Atlanta Hawks were clinging to a one-point lead against the Boston Celtics.

That may be the last time they hold a lead in the series.

Kevin Garnett tied up the game with a free throw, Josh Smith exited the game with a sprained left knee, the Celtics closed out the game and the Hawks are suddenly on the defensive in the series.

Joe Johnson had a solid season averaging 18.8 points per game with 3.9 assists and 3.7 rebounds. With the injury to Smith and the absence of Al Horford, he will need to step up if the Hawks are able to move past the battle-tested Celtics.

The momentum has shifted greatly since Rajon Rondo's bonehead decision to bump the ref. Suddenly, the Hawks are looking for offense and will be counting on Johnson to both carry the team and prove himself worthy of his immense salary.

Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

There is a reason the Dallas Mavericks were able to shock the NBA and win a title last year. Much of that is credit to Dirk Nowitzki.

The man had been one of the most under-appreciated superstars of this generation until he won his ring over the Big Three in Miami.

The first two games of the series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks have been decided by a grand total of four points.

Obviously, these teams are incredibly balanced but the Mavericks will need Nowitzki to perform even better than he has been. He has been no slouch this series averaging 28 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest, but the Thunder feature two superstars who possess his scoring ability.

Nowitzki has proven that he can perform at an elite level against the best players in the league, and if the Mavericks are to come back in this series they will need Dirk to play some of the best basketball of his life.

Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

Everyone knew the New York Knicks would have lots of trouble managing to win a playoff series against the Miami Heat, even at full strength.

Now they will be without Amar'e Stoudemire, with reports saying he is doubtful for the duration of the series.

The Knicks will be able to replace his defense with Jared Jeffries, but will be unable to duplicate his offensive production.

Carmelo has never won a Conference title, and right now it does not appear that he will end that drought. Anthony, however, has the ability to perform with any superstar in the league, including LeBron James.

The Knicks need to start by winning one game, obviously. The Knicks desperately need Carmelo to shoulder the load.

By heading back to New York and not having to deal with Stoudemire demanding for the ball, Carmelo is free to take over and score at will.