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Anthony inspires Nuggets over Pacers
By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-10-12 07:53
American Olympic gold-medal winning team member Carmelo Anthony made a superb return to Beijing's Wukesong Arena yesterday, pouring in 45 points and grabbing nine rebounds as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Indiana Pacers 128-112 in their NBA preseason match. The All-star forward was unstoppable on offense and it took him only three quarters to seal the win for the Nuggets, who used their bench players in the final stanza. "It's great to have a player like Carmelo," said Nuggets coach George Karl. "He is a special offensive player and he has the ability to control the game." It was a measure of revenge for Anthony as the Pacers beat the Nuggets 126-104 on Thursday in the first NBA game to be played in Taipei. "After the game in Taiwan, we really wanted to come back and I wanted to redeem myself," said Anthony. "Tonight was just one of those nights where I had it going - shots were falling and we were playing defensively as a team. What better place to do it than here in Beijing where I got a gold medal last year." Karl said his team still needs time to tune up. "We did not play well in the first match in Taiwan. However, we were tough-minded in today's match. "We are getting better and better. Although we have traveled a lot during the preseason, it's a great experience for us." Center Nene contributed 21 points and Kenyon Martin added 12 for the Pacers, who trailed 33-29 after the first quarter. The Pacers then struggled after getting into foul trouble. Danny Granger was ejected in the second quarter through technical fouls while Dahntay Jones fouled out in the fourth. "When you lose an All-star, it's going to impact what you do on the court," Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said of Granger. Roy Hibbert led the Pacers with 21 points and nine rebounds. (China Daily 10/12/2009 page11) |
