Carmelo Anthony: Ranking his most clutch shots and game-winners

New York Knicks Carmelo Anthony (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
New York Knicks Carmelo Anthony (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 15: Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers attempts a three point shot against the Memphis Grizzlie during the fourth quarter in the Western Conference play-in game one at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 15, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

3) Carmelo Anthony’s most clutch shots: Knocking off the Grizzlies

I contemplated putting this higher on the list since it helped propel the Blazers into the playoffs; however, with the team already protecting a three-point lead, it was more of a shot to put them over the top than it was a game-winner. That said, it was still an extremely clutch make at a critical juncture for both the Blazers and Anthony late in his career.

Many have criticized Melo’s ability to adapt to a new role since leaving the Knicks where he was the team’s top scorer, as he had been his entire career, whether in Denver or New York.

We have all seen the results from Olympic Melo, where he thrived playing along the wing in a catch-and-shoot role.

The make against Memphis in the Orlando bubble was the perfect shot to encapsulate Anthony’s journey from being out of the league to still being able to provide a lethal injection to help his team win.

Earlier in the season, Anthony passed the late Kobe Bryant for the most game-winners (17) in the last five seconds of a game with a last-second difference-maker over Toronto. With the Blazers entering the first round of the playoffs, perhaps he will add to that mark in the near future.