MMPG: Player of the Week

Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets

Keep on talking about me, alright? (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony received a lot of criticism at the start of this month, when he received a one-game suspension for refusing to leave a game when Coach George Karl tried to substitute for him. His leadership was questioned and he had to constantly hear how he wasn't measuring up to peers LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Until he wins in the postseason, Anthony will always hear about his shortcomings.

But last week, he stepped up to lead the Nuggets back atop the Northwest Division as he averaged 33 points on 51 percent shooting (48 of 94). Denver went 3-1, with Anthony averaging 34.3 points in three wins against New Orleans, Dallas and Golden State and scoring 29 in a loss in Phoenix. He had 29 points against New Orleans, 31 points against the Warriors and he scored 43 points -- including a go-ahead layup with 12.2 seconds remaining -- in a 103-101 victory over the Mavericks. The Nuggets (48-26) are now 19-5 this season when Anthony scores 21 or more points.