Camelo Anthony Scorches in Brilliant Masterpiece, but It Wasn't Enough

He walked off the floor with a feeling of displeasure, mourning over the resemblance of an absolute collapse in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series the other night, bothered with the sudden tottering in the postseason by falling short in the final minutes.

He slowly proceeded into the tunnel, gazed in disgust and tiredness, shock his head in disbelief, then screamed in frustration that suddenly hinders the New York Knicks of occupying improbability for an association with the slogan, "Where Amazing Happens!!!" Although Carmelo Anthony is satisfied to be a resident of New York, where he declared his citizenship and resides these days growing up in a place that culturally is attached to street hoops, he's not too upbeat with the fatality shown against Boston.

Wearing a white towel around his waist, he laid flat on his back on a table in the somber locker room attended to by two physical trainers. After a painful loss, tired by the anxiety of aloneness without forming a bona fide trio alongside an inactive Amar'e Stoudemire and the veteran Chauncey Billups, he was treated as the trainers soothed his muscles

The virulent twist, coming in the aftermath of the Knicks hurtful 96-93 loss trailing the series 2-0 in the playoff series against the Boston Celtics, is dictated after New York plunged in a less competitive and off balanced series of stunning events Tuesday night. For one of the richest franchises on the planet that resides in the Big Apple, as Knicks owner James Dolan invests in his enormous payroll, New York has been in for a rude awakening when it became apparent that the Bockers were no match for the well-experienced and tenacious Celtics.

Business is earnest, especially for the talented forward, a fixture for the Knicks' future as he evolves into a superstar and the beloved celebrity in New York, welcomed home with open arms for uplifting an unstable franchise out of clutters. Yet he carries a group of castoffs single-handedly in a lopsided heavyweight match against a much stronger and talented opponent, putting on a spectacular shooting display, burying shots from every angle and pounding the glass skillfully entangled in a flurry of anguish, the Knicks stood aghast on the floor in the deafening TD Garden worried in a panic mode.

As the shaky Knicks are fading in the Celtics' shadows, defenseless and disarmed from ripening with Stoudemire limited with a sore back and Billups sidelined because of a knee injury, Anthony delivered in one of the breathless postseason performances even after New York had fallen short by the lack of effort from an inefficient supporting cast. That in turn assures an early exit for the Knicks -- although the development of Anthony reinserted a factual psyche within a franchise familiar with playoff deeds and the posture of cultivating excellence in essence of producing an agenda for putting together a mental state.

When he transformed instantly into a megastar who built stardom in one of his theatrical nights, presenting an unreal scenario and unleashing another side of his transcendent performance, he earned regards. Before tip off, no one ever imagined Anthony putting on a shooting clinic in the decisive game of the series, no one ever imagined 'Melo shining as the franchise star that nearly demolished the Celtics. The monstrous shooting, from everywhere on the floor after dropping in difficult and abnormal attempts, was almost the turning point in the Knicks rebuilding process.

But when the subtle night revolves around one player to lead the Knicks in the brightest series of these playoffs, brightening much of the odds in pulling off the grander upset with a workable plot done by Anthony, then it seems anything is bound to happen on Broadway this season. And really, who knows if the Knicks have enough to match the Celtics' energy and swagger, bullying 'Melo and company by their experience and veteran know-how? It is well established, by his all-time statistical results, that Anthony is the primary star and ripened into a team leader, one who can implement the collectivity of gusto, soul and chemistry.

By scoring a mere 42 points, accompany with 17 rebounds and six assists, Anthony madly played a brand of productive basketball but his teammates were absent and lacked existence on the parquet floor and inside a building with countless championship banners. So clearly in the aftermath of another outrageous collapse, a mesmerizing breakthrough for 'Melo, wasn't enough to garner a must-needed victory. In the midst of the Knicks magical apex, yearning for a chance at a slew of fineness in the postseason by pulling off an upset in the first round to defeat the defending Eastern Conference champs, a creative and prolific style of subtlety was ousted ever since Mike D'Antoni became the head coach in New York.

So openly, for a head coach who is a former Italian basketball star, known for his expertise in instituting an up-tempo offense, D'Antoni was responsible for the mental lapse the other night when he designed a play that wasn't executed properly and went to Anthony's hands after shooting merely 1-for-11 in the second half of the first game of the series. This time, his heroic deeds were needed thrust in the position to play like a superstar, including a charismatic leader that reduces the vein of disenchantment among supporters of a passionate sports community, suddenly panicking as the Knicks fight for survival.

In the town of his birthplace, he is regarded as one of the epic superstars for a town where the folks witnessed Bernard King and Patrick Ewing, not only Spike Lee sitting courtside either petrified or emotionally excited over the Knicks. There is strong evidence that he's having lots of fun in this series, a vintage player for the Knicks as Anthony has carried the weight on his shoulders. This is what he wanted all along, an opportunity to migrate in New York, where basketball is played religiously at Rucker Park for street basketball events.

This is where he calls home, and ever since he made the transition to New York, he took accountability for the leadership role and grown mightily into a superstar. This is where he wanted to play, for a highly marketed franchise and claim the spotlight in a Bockers uniform. But what comes with joining a professional franchise in the Big Apple are the ramifications of getting lambasted in local tabloids for such a paltry shooting performance or dropping down 2-0 in the series.

His plans were to arrive in New York and compile championships in the near future, uttering that he desires to be a winner but also wants to play for a well-known franchise in the NBA and reside at home. While it's ultimately evident that he is trying to reach a global pinnacle in basketball, similar to LeBron James or Kobe Bryant, he is insisting that he is craving to resuscitate life for a community awed in witnessing his impact on the Knicks' recent prosperity.

As it turns out, no star earned more praise than Anthony for playing so splendidly with a lethargic supporting cast. The series is far from over, but if the Knicks wish to survive, they'll need contributions from Jared Jeffries, Roger Mason and Landry Fields particularly. It's too bad that Toney Douglas is inexperience, not really groomed to provide inspirational messages or act like a floor general. It's too bad that Anthony Carter isn't a great point guard.

There's no way the Knicks can continue to depend on Anthony by himself, who is handling the heavy task alone without reinforcements from his role players or fellow megastars. So here was Anthony channeling his Bernard King, a resemblance of Kings epic Game 5 against the Pistons in 1984, but it is vital that he nails the game-winner at the end of the game and take matters into his own hands if he wants to be the superstar fond of playing on the biggest stage. The chorus of criticism is now being heard after Anthony mistakenly threw a pass to his teammate Jeffries, without attempting the final shot in hopes it would have fallen in for the game-winning shot.

But in a way, this was the Celtics' defensive toughness that Doc Rivers emphasizes so cleverly, hindering Anthony from launching a jump shot in the final minutes when Celtics head coach sent Glen Davis over to work with a pesky Paul Pierce and double-teamed Anthony for which he was unstoppable in a one-on-one battle. With the usual execution defensively, the Celtics pestered Anthony and forced him to pass the ball and, out of all people, he found Jeffries for the shot. And with only 19.3 seconds remaining, he drove and rose in traffic to lay it in and gave the Knicks a one-point advantage. But the Celtics wasted no time in answering back, when Kevin Garnett capitalized on a jump hook in the paint six seconds later, a momentum boost that suddenly shifted the complexion for the Knicks.

It was all Anthony, until he decided to pass the ball, in the finest moment of his career when he should have actually shot it. This time, he was unwilling to fire the biggest shot by playing selflessly in the highly critical game of the series as the stakes were higher than ever. Perhaps, he was too selfless in a game he displayed a masterful performance. This was his to take over, for what was another missed opportunity. It could have been one of the greatest nights, a point in time when 'Melo capped one of those brilliant showpieces of the ages. In other news, his incredible masterpiece reminded us of Clyde Frazier, Willis Reed and, um, King.

"I kind of had it going tonight," Anthony said.

He had it going, but it's too bad he couldn't win it.

Knicks Gets Stoudemire Amid Rebuilding Stage, but Need LeBron at Garden

It’s a no-brainer within a doleful sporting community that the biggest and cleverest makeover happening on Fifth Avenue is the New York Knicks, reducing all the ridiculous signings and additions that tragically dragged down the richest franchise for all the ill-advised upgrades.

There’s a brighter chance the Knicks will intensify the volume in New York, louder than the typical opera heard daily on Broadway -- the active location in an urban environment that will soon welcome Amar’e Stoudemire, an aspired superstar ready to contend in a high-market business and hoist a champion. It’s virtually clear that he’s a needful prize amidst a free-agency frenzy, when all the focus swirls around the recruiting bid revolving LeBron James -- the more attractive megastar during the most anticipated free-agent class in NBA history.

And while it’s the biggest class for sale in the market, not to mention the most hype generating mysteries and speculations, the Knicks cleared a bundle of salary-cap space last winter and intended to reach an agreement with James. But it figured that New York was more intrigued in signing a big man to mend the interior game and build a massive post game.

For a very long time, the Knicks lacked a powerful roster and haven't been thrilled by much success since the 1990s era, when they were deeply artistic and effectual and when they had the beneficial pieces such as Patrick Ewing, Allen Houston and John Starks. The local residents in the Big Apple are gushing over Stoudemire, who can sign an enormous contract for five years and worth $100 million no later than Thursday, breathing a sign of relief and having much gratitude in the recent upgrading.

He delivered remarkable dunks in the desert, aggressively ran the floor and had self-awareness, an energized and useful necessity formerly uplifting the Phoenix Suns when he was a resident in the desert the last eight seasons. For those of you not familiar with his productivity and scoring ratio over the last eight years, he had polishing numbers and averaged a staggering 21.4 points per game with a 54.4 field-goal percentage, though he had an easier task sharing the ball with an elite point guard, Steve Nash, who dishes off quality passes and stockpiles assists.

While some are worried whether his prosperous post presence and scoring would descend, Stoudemire can rise and be a remedy on an unlucky franchise that had issues and were delayed by draining misfortunes. Surely, he heightens the chances in Madison Square Garden, despite that he’s not the captivating attraction all New Yorkers admire watching in the world’s most famous venue.

It’s unveiling that he will draw a national audience and expand ticket sales for a depleted crowd within a high-market region, a location where temptations and expectations are immense. No disrespect to Amar’e, but he’s not King James. However, he’s the new addition and a marquee player to earn significant stardom without even officially signing his signature on documents.


It was only a matter of time before the Knicks and Stoudemire reached an agreement, when executives were leaning towards grabbing the 27-year-old center/forward during his tour in the lively town and after spending hours at owner James Dolan’s party last night, all indicators that he was close to finalizing a deal with the Knicks.

As the basketball lords wait anxiously for James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh to decide their futures, Stoudemire toured the sites of the Big Apple and began his pleasant afternoon having brunch with Mike D’Antoni and then glanced at fireworks at Dolan’s summer estate. It was clear that if he had attended a Yankees game, he would have been implored and pampered at the colossal palace where the enthusiastic fans gulp on expensive ribs and purchase a glass of beer, becoming intoxicated before the seventh inning stretch comes.

My guess is that he felt welcomed, sitting behind home plate with his agent, hearing the warm receptions and amiable chants. What’s interesting to see now is whether the Knicks could woo James, who might be willing to join Stoudemire and elevate his legacy in a city where the fans have tampered and recruited for the premier prizes in free agency, realizing Amar'e somewhat has an interior presence and if James does come to New York he can be a counterpart -- but a missing piece that could dismay Cleveland.


While the presence of a global megastar would build a foundation and be an increase in revenue, based on his enthralling accomplishments and proficient traits on the court, he’ll wait until after a three day Nike camp in Akron is over, a festivity he’s hosting for the top high-school recruits.

Realizing that it would be awkward to participate with his native town and work with growing prospects outside of Cleveland, James is expected to make an announcement and sign by the end of the week, whether his new address is at South Beach, at his rocking town, at Brooklyn, or even at Madison Square Garden.

But as of now, the Knicks formally met with Stoudemire to organize a deal that will benefit his living arrangements and solidify his chances to winning a championship. It’s obvious that his presence will make an immediate impact, but it may take a few seasons before the Knicks contend on the grandest platform.

“I feel great about being a pioneer and showing my leadership,” Stoudemire told reporters at Madison Square Garden.

But sometimes there are hidden flaws when you wonder about his blemishes, of course, when it involves Stoudemire, a 6-foot-11 forward who has battled with ailments and defensive inefficiencies. Remember, he had four knee surgeries and microfracture surgery, but played at an all-star level in the postseason as the Suns benefited by his physicality and effort.

Not long ago, they advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time under D’Antoni in Phoenix. With a much-improved Stoudemire, maybe he will tighten the fragile defense and help the Knicks erase their bungles. Last season, the Knicks failed miserably in stopping penetration and defending the perimeter, allowing opponents to shoot a league-best 48.6 percent, the obvious evidence that D’Antoni is best known for his up-tempo style offense.

Some will consider it a risky and ill-advised move by guaranteeing Stoudemire with a max offer. In this situation, it’s not bad to take such a risk, given all the helpless travails and what he can bring to the table, with his incredible size advantage and instrumental force in the middle. If the Suns would have offered him a max contract for five years, and if he was assured a profitable paycheck and more minutes, he may have considered staying in the desert instead of departing elsewhere.

This offseason, the rebuilding project has been done brilliantly, following the clever business plans by president Donnie Walsh and D’Antoni, who both brought much hope to the town two years ago and gave reason for Spike Lee to believe in the rebirth of the Knicks. As for the troubling nonsense in Phoenix, you wonder if Stoudemire can monitor his self-control and attend all team meetings, unlike a few years ago when he was dispirited about undergoing rehab and was careless about his teammates and coaching staff.

There were moments when he felt disengaged and worthless, distancing himself from his teammates and became a cancer within a diverse organization that was bothered by an uproar. But even though he was a saboteur, Stoudemire is solely appreciated and admired heavily for his assurance and energy.

If he wanted, he could be a general manager today, following his announcement that his motive was to persuade San Antonio’s Tony Parker and Denver’s Carmelo Anthony, who are both confident of building a Superteam in New York and playing with Stoudemire -- aiming to win his first title and obtain eminence in a new environment.

His self-proclaimed nickname is STAT—it’s not representing statistics—but signifies how to “Stand Tall and Talented.” At least we know he has matured and mellowed as a reliable teammate, a commodity missing at times in Phoenix and caused much disappointment for his underperformance.

But now, he’s the biggest building block for the Knicks, a gigantic man joining a franchise with a sturdy front-court if the Knicks re-sign center David Lee and hold on to forward Danilo Gallinari. Meanwhile, there are enduring questions whether James will join forces with him and dish off passes, playing alongside Stoudemire, a post-present and pick-and-roll player.

For now, he gives us something to gush over.

There's No Mirage in Desert: Phoenix Suns Eclipse Lakers-Celtics Dream

It happened unexpectedly, amid a boring and dense postseason. When it seemed the Los Angeles Lakers were too talented, and would eventually sweep the Phoenix Suns.

But the defending champs are once again perceived as a lingering riddle, with the annoying up and down meltdowns at critical situations.

Perhaps we spoke too quickly, without acknowledging the hottest team in the Western Conference. All of a sudden, the Suns are seemingly the team to beat. They are a franchise filled with depth, tremendous size, awareness, and poise.

At some moments, the Lakers were categorized as the elite franchise of the postseason, bound to win back-to-back titles.

Now, the defending champs are on the brink of elimination. The Suns appear hungrier, potent, and more determined than Los Angeles.

The Lakers were beat down by the Suns, dismantled by an aggressive and solid bench. Phoenix's entire second unit made the Lakers seem inferior.

When Team Hollywood is outplayed, out-hustled, and out-rebounded, the first notion that comes to mind is that they are doomed at repeating glory. It seems impossible to sustain back-to-back chatter when the Suns 2-3 zone defense disintegrates the Lakers soft, baffled offense.

Notice the Lakers haven’t executed or attacked the rim, despite possessing a seven-foot tandem in an uninspiring front court.

Meanwhile, as the Lakers have suddenly crumbled, the Suns are blazing. Phoenix realizes they can beat the Lakers. They are now two wins away from immortality, and an NBA Finals appearance.


The Suns are clear evidence that a series isn’t over until a team wins four games in the best-of-seven series. Phoenix could be on the verge of capping a bizarre upset in the NBA postseason.

They could break the hearts of Lakers fans dreaming of a Lakers-Celtics rematch.

Game five could dictate the Lakers fate, and add further burdens to a franchise with mystique, and supporters believing it’s the year to win another trophy.

Suddenly, the entire diverse city comes together in support of the Lakers. These fans are scared of a disastrous meltdown in game five. There is a notion that the Suns aren’t a mirage, but rather a legitimate unit in pursuit of capturing a championship, dethroning the defending champs in the process.

Quite unveiling is that the Suns might have a deeper and more fervid unit than the Lakers. Their reserve are more earnest and vigorous than Kobe’s absent-minded bench mob.

It’s stunning how the Suns outscored and intimidated the Lakers in bench points. They also dominated in rebounding, 51-35, and had a staggering 54-20 separation in bench points Tuesday night.

It was humiliating night for the Lakers, but a massive night for the Suns. Phoenix made it clear that if the Lakers refuse to raise the intensity, and match the assertive performance of Amar’e Stoudemire (who may decide to leave the desert and sign with another franchise when he becomes a free agent this summer), L.A. can be beaten.

The truth is that the leader and maestro of the Suns is Steve Nash, an explosive point guard who was dispirited of the disappointing changes within the organization last year. They relapsed and fell out of contention under embattled coach Terry Porter, before coach Alvin Gentry took over and had the interim tag removed.


Since then, Nash has led as the floor general, putting together opportunities for his teammates to score with his indescribable assists. He finds teammates inside the paint or beyond the perimeter.

There’s no arguing that he’s the essential piece to the immediate impact of the Suns progress against a team defending its title.

Standing at six feet, he’s the true point guard every team wishes to possess, an ageless floor general with John Stockton's genetics. Nash has blistering speed and vision in the transition game. He’s very athletic, and a perfectionist at all levels of the game. He makes everyone around him better.

Keep in mind he is a former soccer player.

It’s difficult to ignore the Suns because of Channing Frye's emergence. Frye nailed four three-pointers after missing his previous 18 shots. Jared Dudley and Leandro Barbosa's perimeter shooting has sparked Phoenix. Goran Dragic's streaky mid-range and outside pedigree has been displayed. Dragic has beaten Derek Fisher on the dribble, driving to the line or measuring for a jumper.

With much at stake, the Lakers are in trouble, and might endanger their season if they fail to rebound in game five.

Otherwise, the Lakers are doomed and will possibly see the last of Phil Jackson if he decides to retire or coach elsewhere next season.

Given that owner Jerry Buss has insisted he’ll reduce the coach's salary, Jackson may call it quits. But for now, they are amid a title run, aiming to repeat and celebrate.

None of that seems logical. The Suns are currently the better team, beating the Lakers in every category and publicly humiliating a highly regarded franchise.

If anyone is furious, it’s Kobe Bryant, arguably the greatest guard of our generation. He sarcastically responded to questions following a 115-106 loss to the Suns in game four.

By the time the game was complete, he had posted 38 points as his teammates abnormally tried too many three point attempts, which cost the Lakers a chance at widening the gap in this series. Now, they're challenged by the unstoppable and uncontrollable Suns.

During post game interviews, Bryant was asked how he felt. “Jovial,” he said. I’m sure we all interpreted that as sarcasm.

Next time critics may actually think before classifying the Suns as “girlie.”

Did we really underestimate the Suns? Absolutely!

They aren’t girls, but the hottest and fiercest team in the league that everyone had forgotten.