A Smooth Mid-Range Shot Every Time, Steady as Can Be!

George was having a rough time guarding him.

And no wonder.

This was Carmelo Anthony, still in his prime—a top-tier scorer in the league.

He was never going to be easy to defend.

Not even a rookie like George—let alone General George—could claim he could lock Anthony down one-on-one.

It was practically unrealistic.

It was basically impossible.

"I've got to stop him once in three tries, right?!"

When George matched up against Anthony again, he set himself a small goal.

A 33 percent defensive success rate.

That was low.

So... George figured he could manage it.

They were still at the right side of the arc.

Anthony was still facing the basket, probing with his right foot and threatening to drive.

Once, twice, three times.

George stayed focused, taking quick little steps and matching Anthony's rhythm, ready to accelerate and chase him at any moment.

Was he defending well? ...Not bad.

Anthony's triple-threat move didn't create a good opening. He followed it with a feint, but that didn't work either.

So he put the ball on the floor, changed direction between his legs, and accelerated past George, tearing through his defense with a physical drive.

"That's it, that's it."

This was the defensive rhythm George liked.

He stayed tight, matching Anthony's pace, his long arms always covering the space in front of him.

Anthony still had no opening.

But he didn't rush. He half-spun, leaned his back into George, and switched to a post-up.

He leaned in to make contact, then pressed again.

In his comfort zone, he gathered the ball, rocked his shoulders, and rapidly read the defense from the corner of his eye.

Seeing George shift his weight to the right, Anthony immediately spun left and followed with a jump shot, sinking it cleanly.

One possession.

Anthony had