Carmelo Anthony Leaving New York Appears More Likely After Loss To Heat

MIAMI, FL. It was just another on a mountain of losses for the New York Knicks this season (number 37 in 58 games this season), but with the 108-82 blowout loss in Miami to the Heat, all the chatter about Carmelo Anthony leaving just got more... REAL.

Carmelo was a beast in the first half, with 24 points 6 rebs, scoring nearly half of his team's 50 points in the first half and carrying his team to a within striking distance. He had also outclassed Lebron, who relied on a mask and Dwayne Wade in his first game back from a broken nose.

Carmelo Anthony matches Lebron James in another losing effort that may mark the end of his time in New York.

However, the Knicks came out in the third and looked like a high school team trying to guard against the defending NBA Champs.

Melo's effort was there, including a huge rejection on Lebron James in the quarter, but whether it was lack of effort, lack of intensity, or lack of talent, the Knicks were no match for the Heat.

After a first half where Melo was on pace for another 40 point, double-double kind-of-night, he finished with 29 points and 7 rebounds.

During the first half, even the most casual NBA observer could see that Carmelo is every bit the player that Lebron is, and he exceeds Lebron in his competitive desire, will to win, and ability to score in the clutch.

And even to begin the 3rd quarter, Melo matched Lebron play for play and point for point, but the Knicks lack of defensive discipline allowed a 23-3 run to end the 3rd quarter that blew the game wide open for Miami.

Without a commitment to defense, the spurt was enough to put away the reeling Knicks, and another stellar effort by Melo will be recorded as a loss. How much more losing will Melo take before he bolts for more attractive situations like Chicago?