Can Melo and Lin Co-exist?

Carmelo Anthony has mostly been a spectator as Jeremy Lin went from the end of the Knicks' bench to the biggest story in sports. Before Lin's entrance into the Knicks lineup this season, New York was playing poorly, posting an 8-15 record which was extremely disappointing for a team sporting Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire in their starting five.  The Knicks season and D'Antoni's job were hanging in the balance until the sudden emergence of Linsanity. New York won eight of nine games with Lin at the helm, and Melo was nursing an injury that kept him out of action for the last seven of those games. Lin has flourished  as the new floor general for the Knicks and continues to demonstrate the definition of being a true point guard.

Carmelo Anthony returned to the line- up last night and the million dollar question that everyone wanted to know was, if Melo and Lin could co-exist to compete as a legit NBA contender.  The Nets put a damper on all the excitement as Deron Williams lit up the garden with 38 points and 6 assists. Lin posted his normal numbers, but Anthony demonstrated some rust as the 5 time all-star forward  scored 11 points and went 4 for 11 from the field. Anthony missed several shots around the rim that he usually finishes and  looked out of sync. Melo and Lin linked up on a few occasions with a nice pick and pop that lead to a couple of elbow jumpers. However, the team's offense looked stagnant at times and  illustrated helter skelter play when Anthony was  inserted into the line - up. Lin has been a facilitator and had the Knicks clicking on all cylinders before the return of Anthony. Lin and Melo must develop a connection in order for the Knicks to be discussed in the same breath as the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls.  It has only been one game, but the doubts will continue to rise if Lin and Melo can't blend together. The Knicks are now a very deep team since the acquistion of shooter J r Smith and the return of point guard Baron Davis. The pieces are aligned for New York, now its just a matter if they can put the pieces together to finish the puzzle. Championships are won with dedication, sacrifice, and chemistry. If Melo is willing to sacrifice the stardom and the accolades for winning (of being the star),then the Knicks will be in contention come May.