For someone who watches as much basketball as I do, there is a lot to be excited about. MVP match ups, rivalry games, watching rookies and vets alike do their thing. When this season started, there was one thing I was certainly excited for and it was the “Melo Matchup.”
For a few weeks now, there has been a lot of Twitter Talk about who people should be referring to when they say the name “Melo.” As someone born in the 90’s and someone who started watching basketball in the 00’s, when I hear Melo, I think of Carmelo Anthony. With complete bias, Melo is one of my favorite players ever. His game is just so smooth, and old school which I really appreciate. People often forget how good Carmelo is and was. For the first few years of their career, there was a legit debate on who the better player was; Lebron or Carmelo. For years, Carmelo has been able to do his thing, without changing his play style and still being able to contribute in a meaningful way.
For the newer generation, they’ve seen LaMelo Ball play since he was 12 years old, so I totally understand why they associate “Melo” with LaMelo. Not just similar names, LaMelo Ball is really good. He’s got some turnover problems I’d like for him to fix, but overall he’s a really exciting, modern player. When Carmelo and LaMelo were slated to play against each other, I knew that I circled my calendar. So, how’d they do?
Carmelo Anthony: 29 points, 5 steals, 2 blocks, 52% from the field, 60% from deep, off the bench
LaMelo Ball: 30 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 55% FG, 71% from deep
Talk about a battle of titans, right? What I loved the most about watching the game was the contrasting styles between the two. Carmelo obviously having a throwback style of play, but being deadly with it. Jab steps, post fades, hesi-drives, pull up threes… it was a vintage Carmelo Anthony game if there ever was one. There were times, like when he blew past PJ Washington, that it just proves how effective he can continue to be in his role for many years to come.
For LaMelo it was the new school flare that was out in full force. Jelly-layups, transition threes, floaters, no look dimes, full-court passes. Everything that the new school player idolizes was on display last night for Ball.
The thing I admired the most was the jersey swap (no matter how illegal in COVID-19 times,) and the post-game comments from both of them. For Carmelo, he said that he doesn’t have a problem sharing the “Melo” name. He went on to say that “LaMelo is going to be in the league for a long time, so you might as well use it. For me It’s an honor.” When asked about LaMelo doing his “three-to-the-dome” celebration, he added “I embrace it. I blessed him. He can do it.”
LaMelo Ball was just as complimentary, saying that he grew up idolizing Carmelo, and when he does the celebration, it isn’t meant as disrespect. It’s a nod to one of his favorite players of all time.
I love the fact that something like this can happen: two players from different generations coming together and putting on a show. It’s really easy for the older generation to hate on the younger generation, so I’m glad that this isn’t the case with these two.
Round The Game 
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