41 points in a win over Portland is sure to raise the eyebrows of anyone interested in basketball, but what is more imperssive is how the thing that sits on top of his shoulders has developed.
Melo has faced his share of adversity in his young career, albeit some his own doing.- marijuana possession allegations, appearing in home videos, the knicks-nuggets brawl - Melo has taken a different path to fellow 03 draftees Wade, Bosh and James. 'Melo has been his own man, sometimes struggling it seems to understand, or even shun, the responsibilities of being a top baller.
Over the past three seasons his scoring average has dropped by 3 points per game, but you know what? That suits Geroge Karl just fine. He is shooting a higher percentage. Is looking for cutters down the lane rather than forcing up a poor shot. Melo is now a franchise guy who's versatility makes him one of the toughest matchups in the league. Unlike Lebron, Melo has a devasting low post game, and while not as explosive off the dribble, still can blow by defenders and get to the line - much in the same way as Paul Pierce. Melo's shooting touch really mean's opposing coaches have to pick their poison. Put a big guy on him and watch Melo's perimeter game take over, put a smaller qujicker guy on him and Melo moves down on the block to operate.
Melo, with help from former NBA champ Chauncey Billups, has seen what it takes to advance past the first round. Look for Melo to be one of the top leaders in the NBA this season as he looks to take the next step in a career that at once seeemed in trouble.
2. The Red Bull Energy
The whole team just oozes energy with Tyrus Thomas and Joakhim Noah crashing the boards. Luol Deng is back. Derrick Rose, possibly the quickest man with the ball in the game can rebound, much like Rajon Rondo.
In their win over the Spurs all of the Bulls' starters were in double figures. Watch out Washington - The Bulls want your 4th seed.
3. Tonight'a 1st round playoff re-match
The Celtics undoubtedly go in as favourites, but the Bulls looked sharp in their win against the Spurs last night. This team looks much better defensively and is taller, giving Coach Vinny Del Negro flexibility. The Bulls out-hustled the older Spurs. Can they once again out hustle a veteran team this time away from home?
I'm predictng a feisty encounter but a Celtic win. Overtime anyone?
4. Tim Duncan still 'The Man'
Some things change. Some things stay the same, just like The Big Fundamental. Number 21's game is built to last and despite struggling with knee tendinitis over the past few seasons his production, and his importance, ahve not diminished. This season could be the first where his numbers really do drop, but at the end of the day Duncan is the man who's hands should control the ball when the Spurs really need a basket.
Last night in a game where the rest of the team went 20-59 (34%),Timmy shot 13-19 for 28 points - also collecting 16 boards and swatting 3 shots to help stuff his stat sheet.
Duncan's game revolves around post position. If he catches it low its game over. Last night he got the ball in good position and was not double teamed. Joakim Noah played pretty well, perhaps not bodying him up enough, but Duncan still had his way with him. Even on the elbow he had it going - at one time hitting for jumpers off the glass in a row.
What is key for Duncan this season? Minute management. Coach Popovich does not want Duncan to play more than 32 minutes a game to keep him fresh and healthy for the playoffs. Traditionally Duncan's numbers drop off after the all-star break. Hopefully with a deep bench, Coach Pop can keep him fresh for a deep playoff run, but if last night's performance is anything to go by expect Duncan to be done by New Year's. C'mon Spurs - help the big fella out.
5. This season to be one of the best ever
This season is going to be one for the ages. Never before - maybe not since 1993 with the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets do we have a season where there is going to be no clear favourite in the playoffs.
Teams haev split into 2 camps this season. Those looking to save money, avoiding the luxury tax and hoping to make a serious run at what will be the best summre crop of free agents in the history of the NBA, and those that have loaded up to win it all now.
Two seasons ago - with the Cetics vs Lakers many considered this to be the best series of the past ten years. This year you have 5 legitimate contenders who are all have improved. Even though the reigning champion Lakers got slightly better with on Artest, the team they defeated - Orlando completed a major overhaul and look every bit a winner. that's without even mentioning the return of Garnett to the Celtics plus their nice additions. And then theres Shaq in Cleveland and Jefferson to help the Big 3 in the Alomo city.
So what we have is a season where each game is important for home-court advantage in the playoffs. Never before has it been so clear that it will come down to a select group of teams. This also creates exciemtent in the 4th seed position in both conferences. This season is sure to be full of suprises and I'm sure we'll see an unknown suprsie all.
If all else fails we have 2010-11 to fall back on. We could see the biggest re-alignment of talent in the history of professional sports.
TOP PERFORMERS
Tim Duncan - 28 points (13-19), 16 rebs, 3 blks +0 rating
Brandonn Roy - 30 points (6-16 FG but 16-18 FT), 5 assists
The Mayne Mayne is....
Carmelo Anthony - 41 points (11-21 FG 18-19 FT), 6 rebs +4 rating
Melo went off in the 4th for 19 points helping his team outscore the Blazers 35-27 in the 4th Q to win on the road and go 2-0 in the young season.
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