World Gets a Taste of What Nuggets Fans Already Knew

(FortCollins-CO) The international basketball scene is getting some of their first tastes of what Nuggets fans have been privileged to for three years. Carmelo Anthony is simply leading this USA team to an undefeated record thus far and is standing out on a team compiled of the NBA’s best. International play didn’t get to see much of Carmelo’s game when the team was coached by Larry Brown, and I’m sure the Pistons are glad they selected to Darko, but now that he has had a shot to play. Carmelo is not leaving much to argue about.

In four games with team USA Anthony has lead his team in scoring in three of four games. Against Puerto Rico, Anthony scored 18 points as the USA team rolled to a 114-69 victory. Next up was team China. Anthony once again scored 18 and was only bested by LeBron James’s 22. The next two outings by team USA were both offensively spearheaded by Carmelo’s 16 against Brazil and 19 facing Lithuania. Linas Kleiza scored eight for team Lithuania and probably had little trash to talk to teammate Carmelo after the game.

‘Melo’s game is flourishing in Coach K’s system. He is hitting his open looks, finishing on the fast break, and making mature decisions. In the games that I have been fortunate enough to catch, Carmelo’s game has been looking polished and has been making me very anxious for the beginning of the 2006-07 season.