Portland Trail Blazers veteran Carmelo Anthony reacts to being booed by the Nuggets fan during the first-round playoffs clash.
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Carmelo Anthony has been amongst the most prolific scorers the NBA has witnessed. Anthony is even a top-10 points scorer of all-time, overtaking Elvin Hayes recently. Melo has been instrumental during his time with the Portland Trail Blazers organisation, who are lucky to have taken a chance on the 36-year-old.
On Saturday night, the Blazers were hosted by MVP candidate Nikola Jokic and his Nuggets. Having played for Denver for 7.5 years early in his career, Carmelo made his return to his former team. Much to his surprise, instead of being welcomed with love and appreciation, the forward was showered with boos.
Even though he was taken back by the fans’ unexpected reactions, Anthony remained locked in as soon as he stepped on the court. Handing Michael Malone’s side a 123-109 loss, Carmelo finished the game with a bold 18-point performance.
Also Read: Jamal Crawford reacts to Blazers star’s performance in front of booing Nuggets fans
“I gave my all to this organisation, I never complained”: Carmelo Anthony
Back in 2003, the Denver Nuggets drafted a young 19-year-old Carmelo Anthony as the 3rd pick of the draft. For the next 7 and a half years, Anthony had some outlandish performances, even leading the team to a Conference Finals. However, in the middle of the 2010-2011 season, Carmelo decided to part ways with Denver to join the Knicks.
Clearly, Denver fans have still not moved on from his departure. Carmelo himself didn’t expect such a reaction. When asked about the hate he received, the 2013 scoring champ said:
“I don’t have that answer, I don’t know what it is,” he said when asked if to explain the fans’ attitude. “I gave my all here for seven and a half, eight years. Never said anything bad about Denver, the fans, the organization, the players, I never complained. It’s like I was birthed here with the Denver Nuggets. I started my career here and this will always be a special place for me.”
“It’s cool, man. I love them too. I love those guys too. It’s been what, almost 10 years now since I’ve been here. The love is there man. They love me, they hate me. I can’t do nothing about that. I’ve just got to go out there and smile, enjoy myself and have fun and play basketball. Whatever they have to say, let them say, it’s not my concern.”
Also Read: Warriors’ Head Coach Steve Kerr talks about the Utah Jazz legend
Despite how Denver fans treat Anthony, he will continue to be hungry to help his team to beat Nikola Jokic and co. Tuning out all the hate, Anthony should focus on using his experience and lead his team to a deep playoffs run this season.
