Wednesday, January 24, 2007 Sayson: Anthony back but some questions linger By Homer Sayson Secondovertime
CHICAGO - After serving a 15-game suspension for punching Knicks forward Mardy Collins five weeks ago in New York, Carmelo Anthony returned to active duty last night at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.
The presumption was that the 6-foot-8 star's rifle will be covered with a little rust, and that his overall effort on both ends of the floor will have some level of reluctance.
Fortunately for the Nuggets, who are barely clinging on to a playoffs spot in the Western Conference with a pedestrian 21-17 won-lost card, Anthony played with the same effectiveness and eagerness that he had shown prior to his forced exile.
In leading the Nuggets to a 115-98 thrashing of Memphis, the 230-pound Anthony had 28 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists. He played for 33 minutes and made 10-of-25 field goals. He went perfect from the line, 8-for-8, and had only three turnovers.
While Anthony was suspended, Allen Iverson, the former MVP from Philly, had been carrying much of Denver's cause on his weary shoulders. In the 14 games since his trade, Iverson averaged 21.4 field goals and 29.5 points a game.
While Anthony was banished, these questions persisted: Could Iverson still get his volume of shots and points upon Anthony's return? And more importantly, can they play together, happily ever after?
Last night, before a roaring home crowd of 19,155, the answers were yes.
Iverson finished with 23 points and 7.0 assists. He saw action for 38 minutes and he fired 16 field goals, just 5.4 short of his season average. Iverson, 31, seemed genuinely excited out there with his 26-year old All-Star running mate.
"We just wanted to show the whole world that we could play together," Anthony said after the game. "We know there's a lot of doubters about that."
Impressive, indeed, was the dynamic duo's performance. But I'm still not completely convinced that this Iverson-Anthony experiment will work forever.
Firstly, the Nuggets only beat Memphis, a team with a woeful 10-32 record and whose star, Pau Gasol, is asking for a trade. The true measure of Denver's perceived 1-2 power will come against teams like the Spurs, Mavs and Suns.
Secondly, Anthony and Iverson had a load of fun last night. But again, they were toying against the Grizzlies who went down quickly, 38-18 after one quarter of play. I would prefer watching those two flourish in a tight game, not a sleeper.
Thirdly, Iverson insists that he would "never let ego get in the way," which means that he will willingly surrender the last shot to Anthony, when the opportunity presents itself.
Really? That, I'd like to see to believe.
History has shown that Iverson has never blossomed with a partner. He flamed out with Keith Van Horn. He didn't get along well with Glenn Robinson. And his partnership with Chris Webber was sad as a funeral procession.
Things change, people evolve. And hey, maybe Iverson can, too. But everytime I convince myself of that, one question keeps darting back to my mind: "Can a leopard change its spots?
