Carmelo Anthony named Damian Lillard as the best player he’s played with after a long and winding 17 season stint in the NBA.
The NBA Playoffs picture has finally cleared up. After a hard-fought run, the Portland Trailblazers have managed to climb up the ladder for a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.
In reality, their journey has just started. They still have to win four games against the Lakers to at least make their bubble run worth it. Be that as it may, the Blazers’ surge into the Playoffs proves that they are one of the league’s best teams. Carmelo Anthony knows this and is giving credit where credit is due.
Anthony names Lillard as the best he’s played with
Carmelo Anthony is a true and blue veteran in the league. He has never won a championship in his journey, but he sure has several accolades under his belt. He’s played with older veterans such as Amare Stoudamire and Allen Iverson. Just recently, he’s also played with current greats such as Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and James Harden.
Despite these big names, Anthony categorically claims Lillard as the best he’s played with. He must have been awe-struck by the way Lillard carried the Blazers to the Playoffs. He said,
“I’ve never played with someone who lifted his team on the court with his play and as a leader. He genuinely cares for his teammates. What he’s been able to do is amazing. He’s the top guy I’ve played with.”
Considering Anthony’s tenure in the league, this statement comes with so much pressure with it. However, Lillard has proven time and again that pressure is actually his best friend. He’s sunk so many clutch shots when they mattered the most. Now, he has to do it again against the West’s top team.
Blazers’ dramatic run
Damian Lillard is not alone in his run for the Playoffs. Around him are quality players that stepped up to the plate. Highlighting the list is Jusuf Nurkic, who just came back from a gruesome broken leg last season. Assisting Nurkic and Lillard is an injured CJ McCollum who sank the most important shots in their play-in match against the Grizzlies.
These three stars play almost the entire game with just one to two minutes of rests per quarter. Fortunately, several players like the veteran, Anthony, and the sophomore, Gary Trent Jr, provide enough kick to keep the team afloat.
Image from Bleacher Report/ YouTube thumbnail