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Anthony leads Sophomores to win in NBA Rookie Challenge
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-02-20 09:42
Carmelo Anthony, the Denver Nuggets' star forward, scored 31 points here
Friday to lift the second-year squad to victory over the rookies as the NBA
All-Star festivities tipped off on his home court.
Carmelo Anthony of
the Sophomore Team goes up for a dunk against the Rookie Team during the
Rookie Challenge, part of the 2005 NBA All-Star Weekend at the Pepsi
Center in Denver, Colorado.[AFP] | Anthony, who
has had a difficult second season, scored 17 of his points in the second half to
lead the sophomores to a 133-106 comeback victory in the Rookie Challenge.
Chris Bosh of the Toronto Raptors added 26 points, the Philadelphia 76ers'
Kyle Korver chipped in 21 and the Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James added 20 for
the sophomores, who trailed by as many as nine points late in the first half and
64-58 at the break.
The second-year players, who played somewhat lackadaisically in the first
half, came out of intermission with a sense of purpose and took the lead for
good, 70-67, on a jumper by James with 16:47 remaining.
Anthony, who was named the game's Most Valuable Player, made 13-of-18 shots
for the Sophomores, who shot 56 percent (53-of-95), including 62 percent
(32-of-52) in the second half.
Boston Celtics teammates Tony Allen and Al Jefferson and the Chicago Bulls'
Luol Deng scored 17 points apiece to pace the Rookies, who shot 52 percent
(46-of-88).
The Rookie game was just a warm-up for James, 20, who will be the
second-youngest player ever to start an All-Star game when he takes the floor on
Sunday.
Cleveland's phenom might have joined the slam-dunk contest as well, but with
a sore ankle and a touch of flu decided not to risk it.
There was no missing the All-Star media day on Friday, however, where James
was peppered with questions about a recent Sports Illustrated magazine cover
asking if he might be the NBA's best-ever.
"I don't think anything about it. I'm just out there playing basketball and
have fun and play my game," James said with a diplomacy beyond his years. "That
stuff will take care of itself."
James's progress since he joined the NBA has helped put the Cavaliers in
second in the Central Division, with the playoffs in their sights as long as he
stays healthy.
"My energy is a little low right now, but everything is working out all
right," said James, who briefly left the court in the Cavaliers loss to
Minnesota on Thursday with what was called exhaution. James said he had in fact
had a fever, but was now on the mend.
"I'm happy to be here. I'm not 100 percent energy-wise, but I'm feeling a lot
better."
Like Kobe Bryant, who was 19 when fans voted him to start the 1998 All-Star
Game, James came into the league as a high school prodigy.
While some NBA veterans admit that the glare of the All-Star game can get
old, James said that he was delighted to be a part of the mid-season gala.
"It's a great feeling to know you have that many fans that respect the way
you play the game," he said. "I'm going to have a good time and at the same time
showcase my talents and have a good time with it."
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