The Weight of an FMVP!

Billups hadn't planned to pass him the ball, but when he saw Anthony calling for it, he still made it look as though he was going to pass to him.

Then...

He suddenly accelerated, heading straight for the basket.

Pass or attack the basket?!

The Knicks were still hesitating when Billups fired another bounce pass, finding Nene under the basket on the other side.

Nene took the ball to the hoop and laid it in.

It wasn't a particularly clever or flashy pass. It would never make a top-ten plays highlight reel.

It was a simple, practical pass.

But it got Nene a basket.

That was what mattered.

And that was enough!

On the next possession, Anthony was still caught up in the moment. He still wanted Billups to pass him the ball.

He even started complaining, his expression turning a little ferocious.

As the team's second option, Billups still didn't pass to him. The coach had given him that authority.

Besides...

Once Anthony had calmed down after the game, he would forgive Billups anyway.

At the top of the left arc, Billups dribbled while reading the defense. Seeing no good opportunity, he accelerated and drove with Curry to the left low post, then half-spun and backed Curry down.

He used a plain, forceful back-down to muscle into the paint. Near the basket, he kept reading the defense.

No help defense came.

So he leaned his shoulder in for another bump, then turned and shot a short jumper near the basket. Curry couldn't do much about it.

"Swish!"

It went in cleanly.

On the next possession, Billups did it again. After drawing George over to help, he sent a sideways pass behind him to Kenyon Martin cutting in.

Kenyon Martin took the ball and charged at the basket.

"Bang!"

"Beep,