Nuggets Vs. Nets: Carmelo Anthony’s Impressive Display Not Enough To Melt New Jersey

Carmelo Anthony did his absolute best to make the New Jersey Nets feel as if they were missing out on something wonderful, and perhaps in New Jersey's heart of hearts, they did feel a twinge of regret as 'Melo poured in 37 points from every spot on the floor and every angle, even though New Jersey's own Nets ran away with a 115-99 victory. Luckily, Mikhail Prokhorov has no heart, just a chilled martini glass and a lack of patience for flimsy-flamsy basketball players. And so, the détente remains just that.

There's no shame in wondering whether the Nets' players, specifically those mentioned in amaranthine 'Melo trade talks, played with extra spiteful passion. Devin Harris, essentially a salary throw-in back when 'Melo was the rage, racked up 18 assists. Travis Outlaw, whose poor performance has necessitated a small forward of Anthony's caliber, scored 21 points. Derrick Favors wasn't great (six points, six rebounds and some foul trouble), but box scores are nothing compared to the flame in a young man's eyes. And I assure you that Favors' flame burns brightly.

Meanwhile, Denver must cope with back-to-back losses in Philadelphia and Newark, something Western contenders ought not suffer, and something that will undoubtedly cast aspersions on any idea the Nuggets could chase a title and convince 'Melo to sign his extension. It's not happening, apparently. The Nuggets failed to catch even the foundering Jazz despite the soft schedule.