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The next matchup in the second round of the NBA Summer Showdown is between two of the best scorers of the last decade.
The Rules
It is a half-court game in which the scoring increments are 1 point for everything inside the arc and 2 points for everything outside the arc, so long-distance bombers will do well in our tourney. The higher seed starts off with the ball and the first player to 11 points wins. The possession switches every time the ball is scored, and your votes determine the winner.
Carmelo Anthony (1st Seed)
It doesn't take a superb basketball analyst to figure out why Carmelo is a front-runner in this tournament, but he faces a hefty challenge in his second game.
Anthony is one of the most gifted scorers of this last decade. He has great size and strength to go along with a complete offensive game. He can score on just about any body-type, from just about anywhere on the floor. This unique combination makes him a threat to knock off even the best players in the tournament.
His defense is where the question mark lies. He won't have a problem scoring on Kobe, but he will have a problem defending him. Kobe's quick release and ability to space the floor will get the best of Anthony on that end. Luckily Carmelo has never banked on his defense, so I can't imagine the fact that he can't guard Kobe will deter people from voting for him in this matchup.
Kobe Bryant (4th Seed)
Speaking of the best offensive players of the last decade, Kobe Bryant remains alive in this tournament. I alluded to this in the first-round coverage, but Kobe is built for this format. His sanity depends on whether or not he believes he is the best player in basketball. That irrational confidence to go along with his incredible offensive game puts a lot of pressure on Carmelo Anthony.
Kobe will have an easy time scoring on Carmelo. There is nothing that Anthony brings on defense that Kobe hasn't seen before. He will rip apart Anthony's defense. With that being said, ‘Melo will tear into Kobe on offense, so it's likely to be a close game.
Now It's Your Turn
This is where you decide the outcome. Vote on the poll below and make sure to let your opinion be known in the comments of this article.