Carmelo Anthony hit a pull-up jumper in the fourth quarter of Portland’s 125-121 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves to pass Hakeem Olajuwon for the 11th spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Anthony now has 26,955 points, eclipsing the 26,946 points-mark set by the Hall of Famer Olajuwon, who played 18 years in the league.
Just beautiful. pic.twitter.com/VNrRvjWcXh
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) March 14, 2021
Melo, whose career seemed over after a short stint with Houston during the 2018-2019 season, has been reborn as a Trail Blazer.
“It’s a great feeling to know that I’m still able to do this and continue to have an opportunity to move up on that list,” said Anthony. “I’m here, I’m happy, I’m excited.”
Melo finished the game with 26 points, hitting multiple key shots down the stretch to help Portalnad secure the win.
Asked how he accounted for his increased shooting percentage in the fourth quarter in recent games, Anthony said he didn’t give it much thought.
“I’m just doing what I do best. In those moments, it calls for me to step up and make shots or make plays as a whole, and that’s what I’m doing. That’s what I love to do. I embrace those moments; late-game moments or fourth-quarter moments are something I’ve been very comfortable with my whole career, and that just doesn’t stop now because the roles change,” said Anthony.
The 36-year-old Anthony, who is in his 18th year in the league now sits behind Elvin Hayes, who retired with 27,409 points.
“I enjoy playing the game,” said Anthony. “I still love the game. That joy is there, it’s back. It’s been challenged over the past couple of years, but it’s back now. But I enjoy the game, and I’m having fun playing the game of basketball.”
Melo is averaging 14.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists for the 22-15 fifth place Trail Blazers.
Saturday night’s game was the first of a back-to-back for Portland against the Timberwolves.