Immediately after the overtime thrilla in Cleveland last night between Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony the Cavaliers and the Nuggets I sat there and thought to myself, “I just watched the NBA game of the year”. Or at least it was the head-to-head battle of the year.
Okay so there have been other epic battles this season (notably between James and Wade), but I would have to say that last night’s head to head battle in overtime between Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony was one for the ages. Both players used contrasting styles of play to burn the other, both trying their damndest to get a stop on defense.
Lebron James was doin’ it on both ends like only ‘King James’ can do. He was abusing Kenyon Martin all game, but when ‘Melo took the challenge of trying to stop Lebron in overtime, that’s when Lebron really put his head down and bulldozed the Nuggets defense. He did damage to the ‘Melo/Nuggets defense worse than a bull in a china shop. He was relentless in his agressive moves to the cup.
Lebron Result: 43 points, 13 boards, 15 assists, 2 steals, 4 blocks, and……one massive triple double the league hasn’t seen since the days of Oscar Robertson Circa 1962.
Carmelo Anthony was playing with a level of skill and finesse with his jumpers and spin moves that I haven’t seen for years in the NBA. That man is probably the most unstoppable offensive force this league has seen in years. Sorry Lakers fans, but not even Kobe possesses the full arsenal of scoring abilities that ‘Melo has. Why? Sheer size and power. Not only does Melo have the wet jumper with range, but he’s also got the power and strength to bang on the interior with power forwards and centers alike.
‘Melo Result: 40 points, 6 boards, 7 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, and…..1 Huge Game Winner.
Final was Denver Nuggets 118, Cleveland Cavaliers 116. Check out the highlight reel here folks:
