USA TODAY International Edition
Anthony, Blazers bring out best in each other
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Just like it played out for most of his career, Carmelo Anthony had the ball in his hands.
The context changed this time, and the plays contributed significantly toward the Trail Blazers finishing with a 110- 102 win over the Rockets on Tuesday to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Never known for a defensive stopper, Anthony blocked P. J. Tucker’s 3- pointer with the score tied at 100 with 3: 08 left. Never known as a willing 3- point shooter, Anthony drilled a shot from deep that gave Portland a 107- 102 cushion with 54.3 seconds to play.
And this all happened against the Rockets, who waived him nearly two years ago after playing only 10 games with them. That moment captured how the 36- year- old resuscitated his NBA career ever since Portland signed him at the beginning of this season after remaining unsigned for 1 1⁄2 years.
“He’s all about the team. He understands what we need from him in certain situations,” Portland guard Damian Lillard said. “He knows how the game is going. He knows how to put himself in place to help the team. It’s obvious for somebody like me that pays attention to everything. I find it real funny and disrespectful how people speak on him. He’s a Hall of Famer.”
Anthony insisted his clutch moments against his former team did not signify anything beyond giving Portland ( 31- 38) a lift as it trails the Grizzlies ( 3236) by 1 1⁄2 games for the Western Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot with five seed- in games remaining. Those with the Trail Blazers sensed the symbolism, though.
The Blazers signed Anthony early in the season amid a battered frontcourt to Josef Nurkic, Zach Collins and Pau Gasol. They also hoped Anthony could blend in well with the star- studded backcourt in Lillard and C. J. McCollum. He checked both boxes. Now that the Blazers’ frontcourt has returned, Anthony remains just as valuable.
“When we got him, everybody had something to say about him,” Lillard said. “What is he going to do defensively? He’s getting older and he’s done. Where’s he going to fit in? Everybody had something to say with how he is in the locker room, and all of these things and why it didn’t work out with these other teams.”
So why have things worked out for Anthony in Portland?
One, Portland made Anthony comfortable by starting him while he has made his teammates comfortable by willing to be a secondary offensive option and a willing defender.
“Earlier in his career, obviously the ball would be in his hands to start with. He has assimilated himself well into his role with his team,” Portland coach Terry Stotts said. “At this stage of his career, he’s able to savor a different part of the NBA that wasn’t necessarily the same that he had earlier in his career.
Two, Anthony has become known as “Skinny Melo” for a reason. Stotts became pleasantly surprised at how wellconditioned Anthony stayed in shape for almost an entire year after he was waived. When the NBA suspended the season because of the novel coronavirus pandemic on March 11, Anthony reported staying just as diligent.
“I never took any time off. I just kept on working. I had a chance to play with some diets and with my workouts.”
Third, Anthony has leaned on Hall of Fame credentials and approachable personality to make his teammates feel comfortable. Consider what happened during postgame interviews. The NBA and Trail Blazers’ media relations staff members had Nurkic next in line to speak on a Zoom call after Lillard. Anthony walked in and jokingly said with a few expletives he would not wait behind him. Unlike earlier in his career, though, Anthony sat patiently on a bench.
When a reporter incidentally asked Nurkic about Anthony’s leadership, Nurkic mused that Anthony was in the room. “I’m on the phone,” Anthony said as he texted. “Don’t mind me.”
“He’s a Hall of Famer, man,” Nurkic said. “When he came to Portland, he came to the locker room like a regular guy. Random nice person. As far as these last couple of months, he’s one of the best teammates around to have. He’s really vocal. I’m impressed with the way he carries himself.”
Moments later, Nurkic was asked more about Anthony’s leadership. With comedic timing, Anthony stood up and said, “You can tell the truth; I’m going to step out.” Nurkic raved about Anthony on how he’s comforted him after losses, then concluded, “He’s always there.”
That moment signified more than just an amusing exchange. Anthony has shown leadership traits on the court, too. He has shown consistent hustle on defense and on the glass. He has also struck a balance between looking for his shot and making the right pass. And he has not complained about his role.
Anthony has delivered this season. And as Portland continues to make a playoff push, it remains confident Anthony will deliver some more.