Crazy⑧s
Evacuee
Carmelo Anthony. To say that this season has been an emotional roller coaster for our best player would be an understatement far from the mark. Now, after rediscovering his former glory, his moment of truth as the face of the Knicks looms nigh. Melo's offensive arsenal will be put to the test against an elite defense and an elite 1 on 1 defender. Let's take a look at how he'll fare in the midst of his resurgence.
Undeniably, this has been a playoff matchup in the making - Melo VS LeBron. Star VS Star. It's a back and forth contest that has lasted more than a decade, and thus far, head to head at least, Melo has been the master.
Finally the 2 meet in the same conference in a playoff series, and the media attention will soar. They are a basic contrast of one another, and play very different games. Categorically, both are more than capable of filling the stat sheet in multiple facets; James, as ever, the more capable of doing so no matter who he's pitted against.
The advantages each have are different, but, IMO, LeBron's disadvantage is subjective, illusory - a sense of incapability when pressure mounts. Melo, on the other hand, is deadly when called upon to deliver. James, to his advantage, has Wade who can distract from him in pressure moments. Moments that he is notoriously a non-factor in. Melo doesn't have that luxury, and it could be the telling factor throughout the throes of the series.
Strength, size and speed go to James, but the mental edge very much belongs to Carmelo 1 on 1.
James is the superior player, athlete and is more versatile, but this matchup has proven over the years to be a perfect imbalance when considering physical attributes, and a landslide victory to Carmelo from a mental standpoint.
Advantage: none. At least individually in a 1 on 1 sense. The presence of Wade is the lucky coin for James, and that considered the advantage plays in to James' hands.
Verdict: Melo, though he'll make his mark on the series, will be outgunned in a 2 on 1 battle.
Finally the 2 meet in the same conference in a playoff series, and the media attention will soar. They are a basic contrast of one another, and play very different games. Categorically, both are more than capable of filling the stat sheet in multiple facets; James, as ever, the more capable of doing so no matter who he's pitted against.
The advantages each have are different, but, IMO, LeBron's disadvantage is subjective, illusory - a sense of incapability when pressure mounts. Melo, on the other hand, is deadly when called upon to deliver. James, to his advantage, has Wade who can distract from him in pressure moments. Moments that he is notoriously a non-factor in. Melo doesn't have that luxury, and it could be the telling factor throughout the throes of the series.
Strength, size and speed go to James, but the mental edge very much belongs to Carmelo 1 on 1.
James is the superior player, athlete and is more versatile, but this matchup has proven over the years to be a perfect imbalance when considering physical attributes, and a landslide victory to Carmelo from a mental standpoint.
Advantage: none. At least individually in a 1 on 1 sense. The presence of Wade is the lucky coin for James, and that considered the advantage plays in to James' hands.
Verdict: Melo, though he'll make his mark on the series, will be outgunned in a 2 on 1 battle.
