Throwback Thursday: LeBron And Melo Duke It Out

Let us reminisce- close your eyes Nuggets fans and say these words with me “I wish, I wish, with all my heart to revive a time of simpler thoughts.” Picture the Quicken Loans Arena, Thursday, Feb. 18,2010 telecasted by TNT. The last matchup between Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James as members of the Nuggets and Cavaliers. Oh and how could I forget the man of many nicknames, Shaquille O’Neal (I could not even type that with a straight face- Shaq’s career was all but done).

Months prior to Bron becoming the most-hated athlete in the NBA and a year prior to Melo forcing his self to the Knicks– an epic overtime duel between two young stars took place at the Q.

The 20-something stars of tomorrow took the floor with two of the best records in the NBA and Cleveland on a 13 game win streak. In Jan., the Nuggs won the previous matchup at the Pepsi Center,99-97.

Denver in the navy blue alternate (they should bring those back) quieted the ‘Witnesses’ early winning the first quarter 31-21, including a 9-0 run. The Cavs stormed back; in the third quarter it outscored the Nuggs 35-23 to take a 79-75 lead into the fourth quarter.

After a back and forth effort throughout the fourth frame, and a Bron 3-pointer with 48.5 seconds remaining that effectively sent the game to overtime.
Erasing a five-point lead, in overtime, James sunk home an and-one game tying free throw. Melo then hit a nothing-but-net jumper that was wetter than his sweaty jersey, with Bron playing stifling defense. James got one last look with 1.9 seconds that rolled off the rim and led to some LeBron tears.

An epic duel between the number one and number three draft picks in the 2003 draft- James got busy to the tune of 43 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds, however Melo and his 40 points prevailed with the all important win, 118-116.

Check out the highlights : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQJp_AoJ2cA