Carmelo Anthony Comes Up Big Off Bench

In the matchup against the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers’ Carmelo Anthony provided extra punch off the bench, scoring 21 points in his 23 minutes of play, reports Aaron Fentress of the Oregonian. While the bench role remains a notable shift for Anthony, it is becoming clear that it is a role he is willing to take on.

“It was a different emotion, different feeling, you know,” Anthony, 36, said. “But once you get past that, it’s basketball.”

Coach Terry Stotts made reference to what Anthony brings off of the bench after the game.

“It’s gonna be nice having that offense off the bench,” Portland coach Terry Stotts said.

Anthony referenced how he has approached the change from being a starter, noting it takes a “different mentality” to come off of the bench and go into a game that is already underway. Anthony signaled he was ready to take the role on.

“I think once you accept it,” Anthony said, “it makes it easier to deal with.”

You can read the entire piece here.