Durant shined while Paul dimed
With the lockout dragging on and no end in sight, this summer has provided fans a glimpse of their favorite NBA players doing what they love most: playing purely offensive basketball with little care for defense. Yes, that is what all of these urban leagues are and let us be serious, we kind of like it, do we not? The most recent showdown was between the Goodman League of New York City, fresh off of their triumph over the Drew League, against the Melo League from Baltimore. Stars including LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Kevin Durant came out for this one and put on a show. Other participants included Austin Daye, Josh Selby, Jarrett Jack, Gary Neal, Eric Bledsoe, and Juan Dixon. It had been rumored prior to the game that Eddy Curry, yes, that Eddy Curry, would play in the game but he was nowhere to be seen. Jeff Green also played in the game but his contribution was so minimal he might as well not have shown up like Curry.
Durant, who has been a mainstay of the streetball circuit this summer put on another impressive display as he dropped 59 points in the contest, mostly while James was guarding him. Guarding, here, is meant to be read in the loosest of terms. Despite Durant’s scoring output, his Goodman squad fell to the Melo League 149-141. James poured in 32, Anthony finished with 27, and Paul had 16 as well as a bevy of dimes. Daye scored 23 points, Selby had 16, Jack totaled 13, and Neal dropped 17. However, it has been noted that an official score keeper was not present, these numbers are relative. Be sure to check out Beckley Mason’s break down of the game for more insight.
It will not be the last time this summer that NBAers suit up for a friendly exhibition. A league is in the works that will take place over two weeks in Las Vegas that will feature only NBA players and will abide by NBA rules. The details have not been fully hashed out yet but the league is expected to begin the week after labor day. We will have to wait and see with this one but until then enjoy some highlights of the Goodman League vs. Melo League game. The Sports Center sound after every flashy play, there are a lot of sloppy plays too, is priceless. All videos via superball052
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