NBA Star Search (Jan. 24th): Carmelo Anthony Shines on Dull Night
In two previous articles with the same title, our NBA Star Search has placed a light over the guys who came out on fire. Guys who dropped 30+ points, 20+ boards, or 20+ dimes (hasn’t happened yet), were given a spotlight in this column.
We’re not switching gears entirely, but we do want to drop the level of expectations a bit, as we will now cite any studs who top 30 points, 15 rebounds, or 15 assists.
Because since when is dishing out 16 dimes not impressive?
Read on for some top fantasy advice, and go hit up our Waiver Wire Watch for this week’s list of guys we’re vouching for:
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Milwaukee Bucks
There weren’t any game-breakers in this game, despite the Bucks scoring 127 points in a win. He didn’t top 15 assists, but it’s still worth noting that Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee’s rookie star point guard, dished out 13 dimes.
Orlando Magic @ Charlotte Bobcats
Dwight Howard grabbing 20 rebounds isn’t that big of a deal these days, but it’s still worth noting that he did, especially since no one else from either team did anything too terrific.
Philadelphia 76ers @ Indiana Pacers
No stud performances.
Sacramento Kings @ Miami Heat
Michael Beasley recorded a double-double (21 and 13), while Dwayne Wade scored a very normal 27 points (for him), although there were no true “Star Search studs”.
Portland Trail Blazers @ Detroit Pistons
Nothing magical on Portland’s side, but still a few tidbits worth reporting. Martell Webster fell two points shy of getting our first fantasy “air high five” of the night, as he scored 18 points, while also grabbing seven boards.
Steve Blake and Andre Miller both topped 10 assists (Miller had 13), which was a nice thing to see, and Rudy Fernandez finally looked like himself again in a 19-point night where he made 10-10 free throws.
Chicago Bulls @ Houston Rockets
No one from Chicago did any major damage, although rookie power forward Taj Gibson continued to impress, as he landed a double-double, notching 16 points and a solid 14 rebounds. Chase Budinger also continued the rookie/efficient play-theme, scoring 15 points on just 4-8 shooting.
New Jersey Nets @ Utah Jazz
The Nets were absolutely atrocious (especially their starting five), but new-comer Kris Humphries continued to make a name for himself, ending the game with 10 points and five boards.
Mehmet Okur was the only other player worth mentioning, as he posted a fine double-double (20 and 11), while also rejecting three shots.
Golden State Warriors @ Phoenix Suns
Stephen Curry continued the rookie swing on Saturday night, hitting 10-25 shots for 25 points, while also grabbing five rebounds.
New Orleans Hornets @ Denver Nuggets
Chris Paul and Emeka Okafor both landed double-doubles, as Paul sored 26 points and dished out 10 assists, and Okafor scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Carmelo Anthony was one of three Nuggets players to record a double-double with points and rebounds, while dropping 30 points and becoming the only NBA player on Saturday night to hit the 30-point mark.
With just three NBA games slated for Sunday, look out for our Monday Star Search recap on Tuesday afternoon.