Anthony coming back

[Atlas]

I just pulled this off the wire. Very good story on Carmelo and AI. I'm going to like watching thee two play.

Anthony's suspension ends, and the suspense begins


By ARNIE STAPLETON
AP Sports Writer

DENVER (AP) — Carmelo Anthony's suspension is over. Let the suspense begin.
The day after the NBA's leading scorer was banned for 15 games for fighting, the Denver Nuggets acquired seven-time All-Star Allen Iverson, who was the
league's second-leading scorer at the time.

Can two high-scoring superstars coexist?
Sure, Iverson said, insisting he's carried the load for so long in his career that he's ready to serve as wingman to the 22-year-old Anthony.
"I've never played with nobody that good," Iverson said.
Anthony hasn't, either, and he, too, swears there won't be any problems playing alongside A.I. After all, he thrived with the U.S. team at the world championships last summer while playing with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

"I can't wait to play with Allen," he said. "It's going to be great."
Iverson said offense won't be a problem when Anthony gets back, and Anthony agrees.
"I think it's going to take some time to get a rhythm for everybody when I come back," Anthony suggested. "We all got to make an adjustment. It's going to take a couple of games."

Anthony, who returns from his 36-day absence Monday night when the Nuggets face the Memphis Grizzlies at the Pepsi Center, said in an open letter of apology to fans and the team on Sunday that he'll return a better player and a better person.
He'll also return to a lineup that's much different from the one he last saw on Dec. 16, when he clocked New York Knicks guard Mardy Collins, who had collared J.R. Smith on the way to the basket, leading to a brawl that resulted in 10 ejections and seven suspensions.

The day after the suspensions were handed down, the Nuggets sent Andre Miller, Joe Smith and two first-round draft picks to Philadelphia for Iverson. Then, they dealt Earl Boykins and Julius Hodge to Milwaukee for Steve Blake, who helped the Nuggets win their last three games to finish 7-8 without Anthony.

Coach George Karl has spent countless hours concocting plays to complement both his superstars.
"They are both great offensive players," Karl said. "I'm not into this (notion) that it won't work. I think great players like to play with great players. Sometimes it's not as perfect and fluid as the San Antonio Spurs or teams like that. But normally in time you can figure that if they will cooperate and move the ball and pass the ball, good stuff will happen."

Karl's contemporaries suggest the Nuggets will find a way to make it work.
"There will be absolutely no problem," Spurs coach Greg Popovich said. "They respect each other. Anthony has a great inside game. George convinced him what a power he is down there. Iverson has the penetration ability and perimeter."
Former Nuggets player Ruben Patterson, now with the Bucks, isn't so sure things will click.
"There's only one NBA basketball," he said. "I don't know how they're going to get all those shots off."

Spurs center Tim Duncan doesn't see that as a problem.
"Iverson and Carmelo will work well together," Duncan said. "David Robinson and I got it done together. I'm not seeing anything different from Carmelo and Allen. They are different types of players than David and I were. They are both offensive-minded and are volume shooters. I think Allen is one heck of a competitor and passer."

Anthony was enjoying his best season this year both on and off the court when he threw his costly punch.
He had polished his public and corporate image and had steered clear of the controversies that dogged him early in his career. He gave $3 million to Syracuse, which he led to the national championship in 2003, toward construction of a basketball facility and donated $1.5 million to a Baltimore youth center just days before the Grapple in the Apple.

Anthony, who got the harshest punishment of the seven suspsended players, figures he could have had the penalty reduced on appeal but wanted to put the mess behind him.
"I'm glad I didn't appeal it," Anthony said. "I got tired of seeing my name on the ticker-tape."

It appears Anthony won't suffer an All-Star snub for his actions, either. Almost every Western Conference coach has said he wouldn't have a problem voting him on as a reserve.
"He's young, he made a mistake. Let's all move on," Popovich said. "I don't think it should be held against him."
"I don't see why he wouldn't be an All-Star," Utah coach Jerry Sloan said. "He was playing like an All-Star. That's going to be a very good team when they get him back."

And last week, Melo was named the 2006 USA Basketball male athlete of the year for his leadership and 19.9-point average at the world championships last summer.
Anthony spent his suspension working out and waiting.
During the first 10 games, when Smith also was banned from basketball, the tandem would watch the Nuggets' games on Anthony's big-screen TV, then drive downtown for intense, 90-minute 1-on-1 games at the Pepsi Center that went well past midnight.

"Sitting home ain't fun, especially when you're watching your team compete," Anthony said. "Some days I'd just sleep all day ... for the hours to go away."
Now, Anthony's agony is over, but his return will be bittersweet.
He had struck up a friendship with Denver Broncos defensive back Darrent Williams, who was slain in a drive-by shooting on New Year's Day just hours after chatting with Anthony outside a downtown Denver nightclub.
"He told me he was coming to my first game back," Anthony recounted wistfully. "He was going to be courtside cheering me on."

[SpringStein]

Open Letter from Melo:

Dear Nuggets Fans, Teammates, Stan Kroenke & the Nuggets Organization,

The day is finally here. It has been a very long wait for my first game back. Before the game tomorrow, I wanted to take the time to thank all of you for your support of our team and your support of me. I greatly appreciate the e-mails and letters from those of you who wrote to me expressing your support. I also wanted to let you know how excited I am to get back on the court and play with my new and old teammates. I have been going crazy for 36 days waiting to return. All my life playing basketball has come easy to me, but not being able to play has been the most difficult thing I have ever experienced as a player.

I've spent this time off working on my game and reflecting on who I am. And who I want to be. I want all of you to know that I plan to be better, stronger and smarter on the court than I've ever been before. I've never been more dedicated to becoming the best player and teammate that I can be. It has been very tough watching the team play without me, knowing that my mistake has made it very difficult for my teammates, the franchise and the fans. I've spent the time working extremely hard, and I plan to come back better than ever.

I've also spent time thinking about the huge responsibilities I have as the captain of the Denver Nuggets, the captain of Team USA, a face of the NBA, and a role model to young people. I'm aware that a great deal is expected of me, and not just as a player. I'm expected to make the right decisions, lead by example and to be a professional.

Once again THANK YOU for your support. I hope to express my appreciation by continuing to develop as a player and as a person. I can't wait to get out there and show everyone what the Denver Nuggets are capable of. I'll see you at the Pepsi Center on Monday night. I'll be the first one there.

Sincerely,

MELO

[Atlas]

I think this is hilarious. Melo getting so much sh1t for a fight? You know in the old days this stuff happened fairly common and nobody overreacted now people are villianized because they threw a punch....oooooooooo.... Too me it's just funny. The pussification of America.

I remember Larry Bird throwing a punch and hitting someone, and it wasn't really that big of a deal.

Anyway, good to have Melo back and hopefull the Nugs will be a better team.

[Meck77]

I don't know Atlas. I didn't see any fighting going on by Melo. I saw a chicken **** hit and run if you ask me. Either way I'm glad he's back.

[Clockwork Orange]

With all the talk about Carmelo & Iverson playing together, I think having him in the lineup with Steve Blake is going to be great. I can forsee a nice two man game between them, with Blake dumping it to Carmelo in the post and daring his man to double down, leaving him open at the three point line.

It's gonna be interesting to see. Everyone has been saying all the right things ever since the deal for Iverson went down, but now it's for real. Tomorow night we'll start getting an idea of what we've got here.

I'm excited. :yep:

[Clockwork Orange]

P.S. I could give a **** less about the fight now. Suspensions have been served, it's in the past. Time to concentrate on basketball.

[Clockwork Orange]

Are you ready?

http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/insider/insiderMagIndex/mag_01292007.jpg

:yayaya:

[spdirty]

Funny thing about that "who's gonna get the last shot" bs is last nights game when AI passed to Camby for the last shot in regulation.

[spdirty]

I don't know Atlas. I didn't see any fighting going on by Melo. I saw a chicken **** hit and run if you ask me. Either way I'm glad he's back.

I'm kinda glad he ran away after the punch. Had he stood his ground and fought the suspension mightve been worse.

Hopefully he learned from it though.

[Clockwork Orange]

Funny thing about that "who's gonna get the last shot" bs is last nights game when AI passed to Camby for the last shot in regulation.

I actually read the article from that magazine and Carmelo said exactly what will happen in that situation, "One-three pick & roll. Pick your poison."

[footstepsfrom#27]

I"Sitting home ain't fun, especially when you're watching your team compete," Anthony said. "Some days I'd just sleep all day ... for the hours to go away."
Shoulda taken a few boxing lessons instead... ;D

[Clockwork Orange]

After watching what they did in the last couple of games, I expect the Nuggets to go with a smallish lineup at times. I can see them going with Iverson, Blake, Smith, Anthony & Camby out there. Smith slides over from the two to the three and Carmelo slides over from the three to the four. How much they go with that will depend on the opponent.

Defensively it'll be a challenge because JR is shorter than most small forwards and Carmelo is smaller than most power forwards. Offensively, this is the most potent group they can have on the floor all at once.

[footstepsfrom#27]

After watching what they did in the last couple of games, I expect the Nuggets to go with a smallish lineup at times. I can see them going with Iverson, Blake, Smith, Anthony & Camby out there. Smith slides over from the two to the three and Carmelo slides over from the three to the four. How much they go with that will depend on the opponent.

Defensively it'll be a challenge because JR is shorter than most small forwards and Carmelo is smaller than most power forwards. Offensively, this is the most potent group they can have on the floor all at once.
No way. They'd be beaten to a pulp inside. You gotta rebound to run.

[RhymesayersDU]

That cover of ESPN is sick. I should pick that up.

[Clockwork Orange]

No way. They'd be beaten to a pulp inside. You gotta rebound to run.

They went smaller than that in the last couple of games with Iverson, Blake, Smith, Kleiza & Camby on the floor.

Like I said, it'll depend on the opponent.

[footstepsfrom#27]

They went smaller than that in the last couple of games with Iverson, Blake, Smith, Kleiza & Camby on the floor.

Like I said, it'll depend on the opponent.
A couple of games is one thing...a season is another. You gotta have Evans and Nene getting minutes to keep from getting owned on the glass.

[Clockwork Orange]

A couple of games is one thing...a season is another. You gotta have Evans and Nene getting minutes to keep from getting owned on the glass.

Oh, they'll get their minutes (or whatever minutes Nene can play as he continues to recover from ACL surgery). I'm not talking about playing that group the majority of the game or anything, just in spurts. I liked what I saw out of the smaller lineup recently and it can only get better when you replace Kleiza with Carmelo.

[bpc]

We just need to get Nene back to full strength or as close to it as possible.

I feel good about these guys. Melo seems like he is determined to make this team a championship quality one. AI just needs some damn help. Camby is playing out of his mind over the past 5-10 games. This is usually the time he comes up lame though... knock on wood. If he can stay healthy I have a feeling this team will be a tough one come this May/June.

[Man-Goblin]

After watching what they did in the last couple of games, I expect the Nuggets to go with a smallish lineup at times. I can see them going with Iverson, Blake, Smith, Anthony & Camby out there. Smith slides over from the two to the three and Carmelo slides over from the three to the four. How much they go with that will depend on the opponent.

Defensively it'll be a challenge because JR is shorter than most small forwards and Carmelo is smaller than most power forwards. Offensively, this is the most potent group they can have on the floor all at once.

Great post.

I

CAN'T

FREAKING

WAIT.

[RhymesayersDU]

I still have hope for Nene. If he can just keep working and shedding pounds, he can at least be a good PF.

[Man-Goblin]

I wish they could unload Nene. Even Jerry Schimmel, the biggest Nugget homer ever, expresses doubt about his heart and oftem makes sarcastic remarks about his work ethic on the radio pregames.

I just don't see much from him. What the heck does Nene's knee have to do with his bumbling fingers? Even in the Cavs game if he can cleany handle some spot on passes down low they are EASY dunks. Even for a gimp. He looks soft most of the time and has never regained that toughness, that edge he had in his rookie year. And that includes even BEFORE he got hurt. Ever since then it seems like he does everything half-assed.

I hope I'm proven wrong.

[Killericon]

I rarely even watch Basketball(Our Sports Channels show Basketball Highlights maybe 1/20 of the time...The rest being Hockey) and when I do, I cheer for the Raptors(A beneficial relationship that's been, so far Ha! ) but I gotta tell you, this pairing has me searching my TV guide for any and all Nuggets games. This will be amazing.

[RhymesayersDU]

I rarely even watch Basketball(Our Sports Channels show Basketball Highlights maybe 1/20 of the time...The rest being Hockey) and when I do, I cheer for the Raptors(A beneficial relationship that's been, so far Ha! ) but I gotta tell you, this pairing has me searching my TV guide for any and all Nuggets games. This will be amazing.

You should make it a point to watch the Raptors more often... Chris Bosh is phenomenal.

[Killericon]

You should make it a point to watch the Raptors more often... Chris Bosh is phenomenal.

I've been cheering for them since the Grizzlies left Vancouver. I assure you, over THAT time span, it's not been a good relationship. Bosh is amazing, and Garbajosa may have been our best pickup this offseason(Even with Bargnani's great play), and this all leads to a bright future. However, to reiterate, with Carter's taking a couple of seasons off and our FO's inability to find talent(Or Keep it when we do), it's been a rough few seasons.

[RhymesayersDU]

Yeah, the whole Carter situation was ****ty. But you guys may win your division, which would be huge. Garbajosa and Bargnani just might become real good players too.

[Atlas]

I don't know Atlas. I didn't see any fighting going on by Melo. I saw a chicken **** hit and run if you ask me. Either way I'm glad he's back.

Maybe, but 20 years ago it was not that big a deal. I think fan violence is partially to blame for this.

[Atlas]

With all the talk about Carmelo & Iverson playing together, I think having him in the lineup with Steve Blake is going to be great. I can forsee a nice two man game between them, with Blake dumping it to Carmelo in the post and daring his man to double down, leaving him open at the three point line.

It's gonna be interesting to see. Everyone has been saying all the right things ever since the deal for Iverson went down, but now it's for real. Tomorow night we'll start getting an idea of what we've got here.

I'm excited. :yep:

After the very first game AI played Carmelo met him in the parking lot and they went and hung out together. I think they are really going to make this work..... As long as the Nuggets are winning or playing well.

[Nuggets4]

CO's right (God I get tired of typing that). We're going to go with the Phoenix Suns style lineup quite a bit I bet. Run, run, run, run, run. Going to be incredible to watch.

[Atlas]

CO's right (God I get tired of typing that). We're going to go with the Phoenix Suns style lineup quite a bit I bet. Run, run, run, run, run. Going to be incredible to watch.

No doubt. Be just like the Doug Moe days!!!

[Tredici]

I have been pleasantly impressed with the leadership and unselfish play AI has brought. First thing he asks Steve Blake when he comes in is, What can I do to make your game better? BTW there isn't a Bourque out there the Nugs could acquire? ;)

Everyone playing with him has elevated their game. Including Boykins so Denver could unload him.

He makes Melo better it is going to be completely awesome to watch.

As to the question posed on the magazine cover? Every team should have such a dilemma. Now then, let's get some more coverboys. I think Iverson is perplexed by the lack of supastar calls since donning the Nuggie uni....

[Dagmar]

He had struck up a friendship with Denver Broncos defensive back Darrent Williams, who was slain in a drive-by shooting on New Year's Day just hours after chatting with Anthony outside a downtown Denver nightclub.
"He told me he was coming to my first game back," Anthony recounted wistfully. "He was going to be courtside cheering me on."

He still will be.


The Nuggets are about to explode!

[Clockwork Orange]

28 points, 6 assists & 5 boards for Carmelo in his return. He struggled with his shot a bit, but that was to be expected with him having not played in a little over a month. Iverson put up 23 points & 7 assists. Steve Blake chipped in 12 assists.

There's still going to be an adjustment period, but things look good so far.

[Orange_Beard]

I just walked in the door from the game. The Nuggs are going to catch fire.
The energy was great, it's clear that AI and Melo want to plat together.

[Atlas]

Went to the game tonight, Carmelo and AI had a couple of tremendous hookups on alley oops in the 4th quarter, with Carmelo reaching way back for the oop and slamming it home in spectatular fashion on one. AI with a great game and 23, Carmelo with 28 and JR chipped in 21. Camby had a great night with 17 boards and 15 points. Blake had 12 assists. The team looked great and won 115-(I think) 98. Soon as Karl gets the rotation down, this team is going to be tough to beat.

Good post. Give them two weeks and put them against the Suns!! That will be a running game!!!

[Atlas]

Here is a Kizlaarticle on the game.

At last, a legit chance to succeed

By Mark Kiszla
Denver Post Staff Columnist
Article Last Updated: 01/23/2007 12:35:33 AM MST

So maybe that explains why there was a revival-meeting vibe in the arena Monday, with the long-suffering basketball souls of Denver rising from their seats to show the faith.

Do you believe?

For the first time in team history, there is a reason to believe the Nuggets are finally serious about winning it all.

Allen Iverson grabbed the loose basketball, streaked up the court, flipped an underhand lob pass to Carmelo Anthony, who reached back with his right hand and slammed a slingshot dunk through a rattled rim, as 19,155 faithful at the Pepsi Center sang hallelujah.

The Nuggets, who blew by Memphis 115-98 and made the Grizzlies look as if they were waiting for a bus, have a proud tradition of being a team in a hurry.

But, on this night, something felt different. For the first time since joining the NBA, Denver might actually be going somewhere on the fast break.

"It's all different now. You can see the spark in the eyes in the locker room," Anthony said. "I think we can be an elite team. We ain't scared of anybody. We put on our uniforms just like they do."

The storied Lakers win NBA titles. Their banners might be musty, but the Celtics have a whole building full of credentials. The Spurs, or even the Pistons, now those are teams that talk championship and mean it.

But never, ever have the Nuggets harbored a legitimate hope of being contenders. Until now. This was the first night in 30 years you could actually envision Denver playing for the NBA title and not be considered a crazy dreamer.

"If I didn't think we could win a championship, there was no need for this organization to trade for me," Iverson said. "If I didn't feel like we had a shot to win it, I would hang my sneakers up."

Not once in three decades of NBA basketball has anyone in this town believed deep down that Denver could win a title.

I should know. I was there, standing next to Doug Moe, when the Nuggets advanced as far as the Western Conference finals for the lone time in 1985. And Moe said, "We got no shot."

That Denver team, eliminated from the playoffs 4-1 by the Lakers, had Alex English, Fat Lever and Calvin Natt at the top of their games, plus Dan Issel on a farewell tour.

This Denver team, with the star power of Marcus Camby to go with Iverson and Anthony, is scarier. This can't work? A.I. and Melo can't peacefully coexist? What, are you nuts? Would you rather go back in time and watch the Nuggets try to win with Anthony Goldwire, Tony Battie and Priest Lauderdale?

"I heard a couple of guys (from Memphis), I won't say no names, but during the game, they were saying we weren't playing fair. That's a compliment. That means we have weapons," said Iverson, who, in his 11th season as a pro, insists none of his previous squads possessed even close to the talent of these Nuggets.

The official reason for the Monday night celebration was the return from exile of Anthony, banned from showing his face at any Nuggets game as punishment for throwing one stupid punch in New York.

"Like Christmas morning and opening up the present you waited for," said Iverson, who was traded to Denver on Dec. 19 and had been anxiously waiting for Melo to come out and play.

Anthony, playfully chided by coach George Karl for cranking 25 shots, finished with 28 points. Not bad. Not great. But at least he was not getting in the way around the house.

"We're just happy that he's back because he was going stir-crazy in the house," said LaLa Vasquez, fiancée of a man who had been under house arrest by the NBA for 36 long days. "He was just ready to come back."

Grabbing a microphone before the opening tip, Anthony reintroduced himself to the crowd.

Denver, Melo.

Melo, Denver.

Everybody good?

Anthony thanked fans for sticking by him through the suspension. Folks stood, shouted his name and clapped. Never underestimate the capacity of this city's heart to forgive.

"It's like a new beginning for us," Anthony told the audience. "We're going to give you something to cheer for."

No excuses. Denver cannot settle for making the playoffs. This team needs to win 50 games. It needs to catch Utah and win the division. It needs to do damage in the postseason.

For the first time in 30 years, the Nuggets have a shot.

[Atlas]

WOW!! I had never seen Anthony's girlfriend!! OFFFFFAAAAAAA

http://www.espn.go.com/media/pg3/2005/0923/photo/w_anthony_195.jpghttp://www.blazinbeauties.com/pages1/la_la/la_la_20.jpg

http://www.blazinbeauties.com/pages1/la_la/la_la_13.jpg

[Atlas]

http://denver.rockymountainnews.com/art/sports/012207anthony.jpg
Look at the little kids eyes in this pic. This picture is priceless

[Clockwork Orange]

http://www.nba.com/media/ai_600_070122.jpg

[watermock]

The NBA will probably suspend AI for his yellow socks next.

[Kaylore]

So much for the "they won't be able to work together" argument. What a crock that was. Some of the stupid things people say.

[BroncoBuff]

It looks great tonight, but it's early ... give 'em a few games together, and then I wanna see 'em play Dallas, SA, PHX.


Off the cuff here: How would K-Mart fit into this roster?

[Jens1893]

It looks great tonight, but it's early ... give 'em a few games together, and then I wanna see 'em play Dallas, SA, PHX.


Off the cuff here: How would K-Mart fit into this roster?

It´s not only early, but it´s Memphis ... the team with the worst record in the NBA. I´m not trying to piss on the Nuggets fans parade here and I wish them all the best unless they´re playing against mighty Dirk, but Memphis really shouldn´t be the measuring stick for a team that hopes to make a run for the NBA Championship in the next 2-3 years.

[BroncoBuff]

It´s not only early, but it´s Memphis ... the team with the worst record in the NBA ... Memphis really shouldn´t be the measuring stick for a team that hopes to make a run for the NBA Championship in the next 2-3 years.

Yeah, that Kiszla article was a heavy dose of, as Greenspan says, "irrational exuberance."

We should all remember how Joan Rivers went up against Johnny Carson in the 80s .... she shot the works on her first night and even topped the Tonight Show in the ratings. 60 days later, though, she was cancelled. Carson retired 8 years later.

We all want a second half like that preternatural Spring of '05 when Karl came aboard ... but I'll settle for a top 4 seed and ONE playoff series win.

[Dagmar]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16761694/page/2/

DENVER - Allen Iverson raced downcourt and floated an alley-oop lob that Carmelo Anthony shoved one-handed through the hoop for an arena-rattling jam, one that seemed to holler to all their doubters, “Take that!”

“We just wanted to show the whole world we could play together,” Anthony said after the duo’s triumphant debut Monday night. “We know there’s a lot of doubt about that.”

Anthony scored 28 points in his return from a 15-game suspension for fighting and Iverson added 23 in the Denver Nuggets’ 115-98 rout of the Memphis Grizzlies.

The two are out to prove two superstars can coexist.

So far, so very, very good.

Their pairing not only benefited each other but created open looks for everybody else. Their signature moment came with 6:39 left when Anthony soared for the alley-oop dunk that made it 103-82.

“I wanted to throw it up high so he could make SportsCenter,” Iverson cracked. “No, it was a bad pass, honestly. He just showed what type of athlete he is, he went up there and got it.”

Anthony said he didn’t even think he could reach it.

“No, I think it was my adrenalin pumping,” he said.

After the basket, Iverson sauntered back downcourt, holding his right hand to his ear as the crowd roared.

“That’s what it’s all about. It’s about the kids, and about the fans that love the game and the excitement of the greatest game in the world,” Iverson said. “I’m enjoying myself. I know it’s my 11th season, but this is a fresh start for me, and it feels like my first. I am having a great time and I love my situation here.”

After receiving a resounding ovation during introductions, Anthony took the microphone and thanked fans, teammates and Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke for supporting him during his 36-day layoff.

“It’s like a new beginning for us,” Anthony said. “And we’re going to give y’all something to cheer for.”

The Nuggets delivered, jumping out to a 20-point first-quarter lead, never trailing and turning it on in the fourth quarter.

“They play well together,” said Pau Gasol, who led Memphis with 23 points. “They had a chemistry from the first moment. They have fun together and help each other out. I’m interested to see how they play together the rest of the year. They will be a very dangerous couple.

“It’s tough to have to guard one of them. It’s worse to have to worry about two great players.”

More than five weeks after clocking the New York Knicks’ Mardy Collins in a melee at Madison Square Garden that led to 10 ejections and seven suspensions, Anthony returned to a Denver lineup he hardly recognized.

On the day after NBA commissioner David Stern banned Anthony for 15 games, the Nuggets acquired Iverson, a seven-time All-Star, from the Philadelphia 76ers.

That begged the question: Was there enough room in this town for two superstars who are used to having the ball in their hands when victory is in their grasp?

Anthony came in with a league-leading 31.6-point average with Iverson third at 29.5.

Iverson swears he’s had his fill of carrying the load during his 11 NBA seasons and is eager to serve as wingman to the 22-year-old Anthony — and he showed it the first chance he got.

With 7:30 left in the first quarter, Iverson had a breakaway for an easy basket but flipped the ball instead to Anthony running alongside him for a finger-roll that rocked the Pepsi Center, the first of many big moments for them.

Anthony’s biggest ovation came when he took a seat with 4:11 left after totaling 28 points, five rebounds and six assists in 32 minutes.

Marcus Camby had 17 points and 17 boards and J.R. Smith scored 19 points for the energized Nuggets, who raced to a 38-18 lead after one quarter and led 59-47 at the half.

The Nuggets, who went 7-8 during Anthony’s absence, parted with Andre Miller to get Iverson, then dealt Earl Boykins to Milwaukee for Steve Blake, a pass-first point guard, perfect for the new dynamite duo.

Anthony said in an open letter of apology to fans and the team on Sunday that he’ll return a better player and a better person. He also returned to a lineup that looked little like the one he last saw on Dec. 16, when he struck Collins for collaring Smith on the way to the basket.

Anthony made all his baskets on drives and jams, missing all eight of his jump shots.

“It shows what an incredible work ethic he has,” Grizzlies coach Tony Barone said. “Coming onto the court and what does he do to try to win the game? He tries to go to the offensive glass, he runs the court and finished the break and tries to be a pig. To me that’s the mark of a good player.

“They will be a very good team as the season progresses with Allen, who was very unselfish tonight.”

Iverson said he’s out for much more than just showing the world he and Anthony can get along without butting heads.

“If I didn’t feel like I could win a championship, I would retire,” Iverson insisted. “If I didn’t think we had a shot to win it, then I would hang my sneakers up. Obviously, I believe we can win it. Get us in a seven-game series, and you have to beat us four times.”

And with Anthony by his side, he likes his chances.

Notes: Iverson is six points shy of becoming the 30th player in NBA history to score 20,000 points. ... Smith is averaging 17.5 points in the last four games, all as a reserve.

[Dagmar]

Nuggets see trouble ahead, and that’s good
With A.I. and Carmelo clicking, Denver will be dangerous in West

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/getty/71796981dp013_grizz_nuggets.hmedium.jpg

DENVER - During his five weeks in exile, Carmelo Anthony could not get escape the question on everyone’s mind.

It was the subject of debate on radio and television and it filled endless lines of type in newspapers and in cyberspace.

Businessmen discussed it in the elevator and in the board room. Even desperate housewives seemed to have an opinion.

And why not? It was the biggest question in Denver since people constantly wondered if Broncos quarterback John Elway could ever win a Super Bowl.

When Anthony returned from a 15-game suspension, would he and new Denver Nuggets teammate Allen Iverson be able to co-exist?

“I’m tired of it,” Anthony said. “Please don’t ever ask me that again. Please.’’

Before Anthony and Iverson shared the floor for the first time, Nuggets center Marcus Camby predicted the two would go together like peanut butter and jelly.

Somebody get a knife. It’s going to be an appetizing three months in the Mile High City.

In their first game together, Iverson and Anthony combined for 51 points, dozens of smiles and two alley-oop dunks that put an exclamation point on their dynamic debut.

Granted, the display came against the NBA’s worst team, the Memphis Grizzlies, but A.I. and Melo left little doubt that the Nuggets will rival the Phoenix Suns as the most entertaining team to watch for the remainder of the season and beyond.

“I heard a couple of (Memphis players) — I won’t say their names — say during the game that we weren’t playing fair,’’ Iverson said. “That’s a compliment. That means we have weapons and we’re going to utilize them.’’

With Anthony drawing double-teams down low and Iverson driving defenses batty with his ability to get to the basket, the Nuggets have a 1-2 punch that will make everyone forget about the sucker punch Anthony threw at New York Knicks rookie Mardy Collins at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 16.

The Suns counter with Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire. In Dallas, it’s Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard. The San Antonio Spurs have Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, while the Utah Jazz can offer Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams.

Anthony and Iverson, with their ability to combine for 80 points on a given night, certainly measure up to any of the above. Their biggest challenge will be trying to climb the standings in the foreboding Western Conference.

Without their leading scorer for 15 games, the Nuggets went 7-8 — kicking away at least five games they probably would have won if Anthony hadn’t gone bonkers at the Garden.

When Anthony returned, Denver trailed the Jazz by five games in the Northwest Division and were eighth overall in the conference standings — woefully behind the lead pack of Dallas, Phoenix and San Antonio.

How do Anthony and Iverson feel about their prospects for the future? Ain’t nothing but a thang.

“We’re scoring 110, 115 points and we ain’t even clicking the way we going to click the next month, the month after that,’’ Anthony said. “In March and April, that’s the best time to click. I think once we get ourselves together, there’s going to be trouble.’’

Indeed, this year’s Cinderella could be sporting headbands, tattoos and cornrows.

No matter where the Nuggets end up in the final playoff seedings — barring catastrophic injuries or suspensions, Denver WILL make the playoffs — they will be a nightmare first-round foe.

Anthony and Iverson are the undisputed co-stars, but coach George Karl suddenly finds himself blessed with a roster filled with tantalizing potential.

Camby is playing at an all-star level in the middle, while J.R. Smith provides instant offense while shooting indiscriminately from long range.

Forward Nene, slowly returning to form after knee surgery, is a handful on the low block, and point guard Steve Blake might average 10 assists a game with so many capable scorers at his disposal.

Since his arrival from Philadelphia, Iverson repeatedly has said he has never been surrounded by so much talent, and that includes the Sixers team that advanced to the 2001 NBA Finals.

“If I didn’t feel like I could win a championship, I would just retire,’’ Iverson said. “If I didn’t think we had a shot to win it, then I would hang my sneakers up. Obviously, I believe we can win it. Get us in a seven-game series, and you have to beat us four times.’’

The supporting cast is nice, but Denver’s success ultimately comes down to A and I.

There will be an extended honeymoon period as the two stars try to defer to one another in an attempt to prove that their relationship can last longer than Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson.
As long as there are critics, both have built-in bulletin-board material to fuel their desire to prove everyone wrong.

“We just wanted to show the whole world that we can play together,’’ Anthony said. “We know there’s a lot of doubters out there who say we couldn’t play together. We just wanted to show them that we can do it.’’

One night — even one week or one month — proves nothing. Anthony and Iverson will have to validate themselves in the win column and then end the franchise’s 13-year stretch without a postseason series victory.

Early indications say Denver’s new killa duo is up to the task.

Regardless of how things shake out, it promises to be an entertaining ride.

Aaron J. Lopez is a contributor to MSNBC.com and covers the Nuggets for the Rocky Mountain News.

[Jens1893]

We all want a second half like that preternatural Spring of '05 when Karl came aboard ... but I'll settle for a top 4 seed and ONE playoff series win.

Yes, one step at a time. Try to avoid the Big 3 in the first round, win a playoff series for the first time since the #8 seed Nuggets knocked off the #1 seed Seattle* a bit more than a decade and then see how you do against the Big 3 in the 2nd round.

* I was sick to my stomach back then as I really wanted Schrempf to win a ring back then. I believe they had a great chance. #1 seed, best record in the NBA, Jordan playing baseball ...

[bendog]

The NBA will probably suspend AI for his yellow socks next.

Those aren't sox; they're tats

When to they play on natl tv? (free tv)

[Tredici]

It´s not only early, but it´s Memphis ... the team with the worst record in the NBA. I´m not trying to piss on the Nuggets fans parade here and I wish them all the best unless they´re playing against mighty Dirk, but Memphis really shouldn´t be the measuring stick for a team that hopes to make a run for the NBA Championship in the next 2-3 years.

Ummm.. I think the fans are well aware of who they played. I think we are also well aware of this team's penchant for finding a way to under produce and let teams like Memphis make a comeback and beat them like they did at their previous meeting. In that respect Memphis is indeed, a measuring stick.

There is a different quality to the team now.

Right now I celebrate that. A great start to a mid season makeover team. Optimism for the first time in years they have a shot to improve. And a legitimate chance to make that run.

[enjolras]

Right now I celebrate that. A great start to a mid season makeover team. Optimism for the first time in years they have a shot to improve. And a legitimate chance to make that run.

No doubt, and what makes this more exciting is how this team is built. There is no question this is a top 5 offensive team (and probably THE most potent offensive team in the league). They can play quick (I never realized just how fast AI was), and for the first time in forever they are a team that can take it to you in a half-court game. Anthony's range and explosiveness coupled with AI's ability to get to the basket means this team can play a pretty good inside-out game.

The key is still Nene. They need him to shore up the interior defense (he didn't last night). Camby is playing incredibly well, but Nene needs to be able to fill the lane and keep players from the basket. If this team can find that defensive spark (and Anthony REALLY helps in that regard) then I think they are a real legitimate contender. They match up well against any team in the league..

[Clockwork Orange]

Off the cuff here: How would K-Mart fit into this roster?

He'd fit in nicely. Kenyon was never that big of a scorer, a lot of his points here came off of lobs and put backs. He doesn't need to have plays run for him to be effective.

His defense and rebounding would be a very welcome addition right about now, but that isn't happening this season. Next year, we'll see.