Three Things to Watch for: Wizards at Knicks 11/4
By Jesse Jones
Can Pierce, Porter contain Anthony?
Oct 22, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) defends New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Everyone knows Carmelo Anthony is a prolific scorer. He’s scored an average of 25.3 points for his career (playing in his 12th season) and has shot 45.5 percent from the field during that stretch.
And he’s off to another hot start this season.
While scoring just 14 points in the season-opening loss to Chicago (he probably should have went there in the offseason), he bounced back big in the next two games.
In New York’s surprising win at Cleveland’s home opener – which a certain “King” said was the biggest sporting event ever – Melo dropped 16 of his 25 points in the second half before scoring 18 of his 28 points in the second period in Sunday’s 96-93 victory over Charlotte.
In the win over the Hornets, he became the sixth-youngest player in league history to score 20,000 points.
Stopping Anthony will be a tough task for Pierce and Porter.
Although Pierce has proven to be a tough defender, he’s not all too quick, while Melo is. Porter has the length to compete with Anthony, but will he be able to fight through screens to stay on his man?
It will take a group effort to try and slow down Anthony, but the Wizards shouldn’t lose focus on other plays in order to slow down one.