Mar 12, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; An Orlando Magic fan holds up a poster to mock Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (not pictured) during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports

The thing is, Howard looked like the player the Lakers thought they were going to be getting going into the season. Howard tied his NBA record for foul shots attempts with 39 last night and made 25 of them. Howard also finished with 39 points.

Mar 12, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) dunks the ball against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at Amway Center. Los Angeles defeated Orlando 106-97. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Was it just a great game for Howard or was it the fact he was returning to his old stomping grounds?

To me, the extra motivation carried Howard to his best night as a Laker.

With Carmelo Anthony returning to Denver tonight, should Nuggets fans expect much of the same?

In my opinion, Melo is going to go off in a big way like Howard did last night.

Coach Mike Woodson said that the New York Knicks superstar was questionable going into today, but let’s be honest, there is no way that Carmelo won’t play against his former team for the first time in Denver since the Feb. 2011 trade.

Melo will receive the same welcome – right or wrong – that Howard did last night. As one Nuggets fan told me, “It’s two-years worth of anger built up.”

The Nuggets are riding a nine-game winning streak, but Melo and the Knicks will break it tonight.

My prediction for Anthony is 42 points, seven assists and 11 rebounds.

And of course, being booed every time he touches the ball.

For the first time since his trade, Anthony will return to the Pepsi Center to take on his old team and his old coach George Karl.

When Dwight Howard returned to Orlando a few games back, he was greeted with boo birds from the fans. In my eyes, Howard deserved them because of the circus he put on down in Orlando and the state that the team is in right now.

As far as Anthony, he doesn’t deserve it.

First off, he led the Nuggets to seven straight playoff appearances and brought Denver hoops back to the top.

Yes they escaped the first round just once.

Would they be there without Melo though?

With the trade, both teams got what they want. The Knicks got their superstar and Melo got to go to New York. The Nuggets got a young, talented team that is currently riding a nine-game winning streak.

While the boo birds will be out in Denver on Wednesday, they shouldn’t be.

Eventually when Melo retires, all will be forgiven as his jersey is hung from the rafters and then he’ll get the applause he deserves.